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CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 1
Catawba Valley Community College
2550 Hwy 70 SE • Hickory, North Carolina 28602
GENERAL CATALOG • Volume 44 • Number 1 • 2015-2016
Main Campus Telephone Number: 828-327-7000 • College Website: www.cvcc.edu
Catawba Valley Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Certificates,
Diplomas, and Associate Degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for
questions about the accreditation of Catawba Valley Community College.
The Emergency Medical Science Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, (www.caahep.org) upon
the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with the Accreditation Review Committee on
Education in Surgical Technology
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education: Health Information Technology
The Polysomnography Program is Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnography
The Respiratory Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas 76021-4244, 817-283-2835
Dental Hygiene is Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation for Dental Hygiene
The Automotive Systems Technology Program is accredited by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
upon the recommendation of the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF)
The Computer-Integrated Machining Program is a Member of the Haas Technical Education Center Network
The Cosmetology program is accredited by the NC State Board of Cosmetic Arts
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.: Associate Degree Nursing Program
[Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326, 404-975-5000, www.acenursing.org]
and Approved by North Carolina State Board of Nursing
The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL 60606-3182, 312-704-5300, e-mail: mail@jrcert.org
The Electroneurodianostic Program is Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Electroneurodiagnostic Technology
The Welding Technology Program is an Educational Institution Member designated by the American Welding Society
The Learning Assistance Center Peer Tutoring Program certified Level 1 and Level 2 Advanced Certified Tutor
by the College Reading and Learning Association International Tutor Program
The Fire Protection Technology program is recognized as a Fire and Emergency Services Higher Educaion (FESHE) Associate Degree program
by the National Fire Academy
Approved for Veteran Enrollment by North Carolina State Approving Agency for Veterans’ Education
Member of
North Carolina Community College System • American Association of Community Colleges
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools • Charlotte Area Educational Consortium • League for Innovation
North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry • Charlotte Regional Workforce Development Partnership
Catawba Valley Community College publishes this catalog for the purpose of providing students and other interested persons with information about the College
and its programs. The provisions of the catalog are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between students and Catawba Valley Community College. The
College reserves the right to change any provisions, policies, requirements, or schedules at any time or to add or withdraw course or program offerings. Every effort
will be made to minimize the inconvenience such changes might create for students. Revisions are available on the CVCC website at www.cvcc.edu.
Since opening its doors to students in 1960, Catawba Valley Community College has existed as an “open-door” institution to persons of both sexes and all racial
and ethnic groups. This admissions policy has been followed in all other spheres of student life ranging from activities to placement. Similarly, Catawba Valley
Community College has made all personnel decisions including hiring, compensation, benefits and promotion on a nondiscriminatory basis.
The Board of Trustees of Catawba Valley Community College does hereby reaffirm this past stance by making a formal commitment to provide equal op-portunity
for employees and students. Catawba Valley Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national orgin, sex/gender, religion,
creed, age, or disability in its programs and activities. We recognize this obligation to be a moral as well as legal responsibility because of its intrinsic worth in a
country in which all should have an equal chance to let their ability guide their life choices.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 2
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 3
Message From The President
We began serving the Catawba Valley in 1960
as the Catawba County Industrial Education Center.
Today, Catawba Valley Community College continues
to evolve with campus expansion and off-campus
centers such as the Alexander Center for Education,
Manufacturing Solutions Center, and the Corporate
Development Center.
The one core value on our campuses that remains
consistent in today’s global economy is our passion
and commitment to improve the lives of the people
we serve.
Our college graduates are prepared for the workforce, and our college transfer students are ready
for their next step to a four-year college or university. Students here are invited to join clubs, be
involved in student or sport activities, and while in the classroom learn critical thinking skills,
medical procedures, or study a foreign language.
CVCC graduates approximately 1100 students each year in curriculum degrees and general
education development diplomas. Our efforts to provide the best educational experience
for our students is evident in the college’s 95% student satisfaction rating.
Our students set the bar each year, winning regional and state competitions and participating
at national competitions while competing against large colleges and universities. Those who
transfer have very high success rates at four-year institutions and are valued by employers in
the unifour region, the state, and the country.
All of this is made possible by our employees through their ded ication to the classroom, and
our students. Each person here contributes to the success of CVCC!
It is an honor to serve as President of Catawba Valley Community College. We welcome you
to our college and the opportunity to assist you in achieving your goals and dreams the
“Valley Way.”
Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw, President
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Message From The President...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Institutional Calendars............................................................................................................................................................................ 6, 7
General Information/CVCC History........................................................................................................................................................ 9
CVCC Policies.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Transfer of Credits................................................................................................................................................................................. 9, 13
Accreditation.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Admissions.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
International Students............................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Medical Exams/Special Admissions Requirements................................................................................................................................ 13
Fees, Scholarships, And Financial Aid............................................................................................................................................... 14, 15
Expenses/Tuition/Fees............................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Federal Aid Programs............................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Work Study Programs (Federal).............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Veterans Affairs.............................................................................................................................................................................. 15, 19, 29
CVCC Foundation/Scholarships........................................................................................................................................................ 17, 21
Housing....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Student Life............................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Orientation................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Student Development................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Students With Disabilities......................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Testing.........................................................................................................................................................................................18, 19
Hours of Classes......................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Learning Assistance Center/Tutorial Services........................................................................................................................................ 19
Library........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Student Government/Student Activities.................................................................................................................................................. 20
Visitors on Campus.................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Student Conduct/Behavior........................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Sexual Assault Protocol/Sexual Harrassment......................................................................................................................................... 23
Inclement Weather Closings..................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Academic Standards/Registration............................................................................................................................................................ 26
Attendance.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
Distance Education.................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Grading System.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Withdrawals............................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Academic Sanctions And Due Process..................................................................................................................................................... 29
Requirements For Graduation/Residence Requirements...................................................................................................................... 30
High Honors, Honors, Awards.................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Student Records......................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Intellectual Property Rights............................................................................................................................................................31
Continuing Education/Innovation Centers...................................................................................................................................31
General Information and Admission...................................................................................................................................................................31
Health & Public Servic Innovation Center/ Business; Computer; Fire, Rescue & EMS; Healthcare Training; Law Enforcement;
Occupational Extension.......................................................................................................................................................................................32
Learning & Personal Enrichment Innovation Center/ Adult Secondary Credentials, ASC (such as GED); Adult Basic Education (ABE);
Basic Skills Education, Compensatory Education (CED); English as a Second Language (ESL); Personal Enrichment Programs.............. 32/33
Workforce Development Innovation Center/ Computrain; Customized Training; Human Resources Development;
Management and Supervisory Development; Manufacturing Solutions Center; Occupational Extension Courses;
Professional Development for Educators; Small Business Center; Technical; Vocational Upgrading................................................................33
Program Listings.............................................................................................................................................................................34
College Transfer......................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA)......................................................................................................................................... 35
•Associate in Arts Degree, Graduation Requirements, and Electives..................................................................................................... 36/37
•Associate in Science Degree, Graduation Requirements, and Electives................................................................................................ 38/39
•Associate in Engineering............................................................................................................................................................................ 40
•Associate in General & General Occupational Technology....................................................................................................................... 41
Career Programs........................................................................................................................................................................................ 42
Career Program Electives......................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Career and College Promise (High School Dual Enrollment)................................................................................................................. 104
Course Descriptions................................................................................................................................................................................. 111
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.)
Page
Accounting..........................................................................................................................................................................45
Advertising and Graphic Design........................................................................................................................................47
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology ................................................................................................48
Associate Degree Nursing..................................................................................................................................................49
Associate Degree Nursing (RIBN Program).......................................................................................................................50
Automotive Systems Technology.......................................................................................................................................51
Basic Law Enforcement Training.......................................................................................................................................52
Business Administration.....................................................................................................................................................53
Computer Engineering Technology....................................................................................................................................55
Computer Information Technology....................................................................................................................................56
Computer-Integrated Machining Technology.....................................................................................................................58
Computer Programming.....................................................................................................................................................60
Cosmetology.......................................................................................................................................................................61
Criminal Justice Technology..............................................................................................................................................62
Criminal Justice Technology–Latent Evidence...................................................................................................................64
Dental Hygiene...................................................................................................................................................................66
Early Childhood Education.................................................................................................................................................67
Infant/Toddler Care.............................................................................................................................................................68
Electrical Systems Technology...........................................................................................................................................69
Electroneurodiagnostic Technology...................................................................................................................................70
Electronics Engineering Technology .................................................................................................................................71
Emergency Medical Science ..............................................................................................................................................73
Health Science: Therapeutic and Diagnostic Services Emergency Medical Science..........................................................74
Entrepreneurship.................................................................................................................................................................75
Fire Protection Technology.................................................................................................................................................77
Health and Fitness Science.................................................................................................................................................78
Health Information Technology .........................................................................................................................................79
Healthcare Management Technology ................................................................................................................................81
Horticulture Technology ....................................................................................................................................................82
Industrial Systems Technology...........................................................................................................................................84
Information Systems Security.............................................................................................................................................86
Mechanical Engineering Technology.................................................................................................................................88
Mechatronics Engineering Technology..............................................................................................................................89
Medical Office Administration...........................................................................................................................................90
Networking Technology.....................................................................................................................................................91
Office Administration.........................................................................................................................................................93
Photographic Technology...................................................................................................................................................95
Polysomnography...............................................................................................................................................................96
Radiography........................................................................................................................................................................97
Respiratory Therapy...........................................................................................................................................................98
Surgical Technology...........................................................................................................................................................99
Turfgrass Management Technology...................................................................................................................................99
Web Technologies.............................................................................................................................................................101
Welding Technology.........................................................................................................................................................102
•Special Programs (Collaborative)................................................................................................................................103
Funeral Service Education Program, NC Funeral Director Program ...............................................................................103
Career and College Promise..........................................................................................................................................104
Course Descriptions (Alphabetical)................................................................................................................................ 111
Board of Trustees............................................................................................................................................................171
Faculty and Staff.............................................................................................................................................................171
Index (Please see the Index for a complete lisitng of Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates..................................181
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 6
2014-2015 Institutional Calendar
FALL SEMESTER 2014
Faculty/Staff Professional Development Activities (No Curriculum Classes)........................................................................................................................... August 13
Curriculum Instructional Work Day .................................................................................................................................................................................... August 14-15
* Fall Curriculum Semester Begins............................................................................................................................................................................................ August 18
Institutional Holiday ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. September 1
Break for Curriculum Students............................................................................................................................................................................................... September 1
Constitution Day Activities .................................................................................................................................................................................................. September 17
Fall Fling............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... September 17
Mid-Semester Break for Curriculum Students............................................................................................................................................................. October 20, 21, 22
Last Day to Withdraw from Curriculum Classes without Academic Penalty ...............................................................................................................50% Date of Class
Spring Semester Curriculum Registration Activities Begin...................................................................................................................................................... November
Break for Curriculum Students ............................................................................................................................................................................................ November 11
Institutional Holidays.............................................................................................................................................................................................................November 11
Break for Curriculum Students ...................................................................................................................................................................................... November 26-29
Institutional Holidays.......................................................................................................................................................................................................November 27, 28
Fall Curriculum Semester Ends......................................................................................................................................................................................... December 17**
Curriculum Snow Makeup Days (if needed)....................................................................................................................................................................December 18-23
Institutional Holidays....................................................................................................................................................................................................... December 24-31
* While many classes begin during the first week of the semester, there are also classes which begin later in the semester.
Also, some classes do end before the last week of the semester. Please refer to the fall semester curriculum class schedule for specific class start and end dates.
** Semester end date may be extended to Dec 18-23 if snow make up days are needed.
SPRING SEMESTER 2015
Institutional Holiday................................................................................................................................................................................................................ January 1-2
No Curriculum Classes.............................................................................................................................................................................................................January 5-7
Curriculum Instructional Work Day........................................................................................................................................................................................... January 5
Faculty/Staff Professional Development Activities (No Curriculum Classes)............................................................................................................................ January 5
* Spring Curriculum Semester Begins ...................................................................................................................................................................................... January 8
Institutional Holiday ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ January 19
Curriculum Flip Day (curriculum classes follow a Monday schedule)..................................................................................................................................... January 22
Break for Curriculum Students.................................................................................................................................................................................................March 9-13
Institutional Holiday ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... April 3
Curriculum Snow Makeup Days (if needed)..........................................................................................................................................................................March 11-13
Last Day to Withdraw from Curriculum Classes without Academic Penalty ...............................................................................................................50% Date of Class
Summer Semester Curriculum Registration Activities....................................................................................................................................................................... April
Spring Fling..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... April 8
Awards Day ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... April 16
* Spring Curriculum Semester Ends................................................................................................................................................................................................. May 8
Commencement.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................May 8-9
* While many classes begin during the first week of the semester, there are also classes which begin later in the semester.
Also, some classes do end before the last week of the semester. Please refer to the spring semester curriculum class schedule for specific class start and end dates.
SUMMER SEMESTER 2015
* Summer Curriculum Semester Begins ....................................................................................................................................................................................... May 18
Institutional Holiday ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... May 25
Last Day to Withdraw from Curriculum Classes without Academic Penalty ...............................................................................................................50% Date of Class
Adult Secondary Credentials Recognition Ceremony.................................................................................................................................................................... June 4
Break for Curriculum Students .....................................................................................................................................................................................................July 2-4
Institutional Holiday .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................July 2
Fall Semester Curriculum Registration Activities Begin.....................................................................................................................................................................July
Curriculum Flip Day (curriculum classes follow a Thursday schedule).........................................................................................................................................July 21
* Summer Curriculum Semester Ends ...........................................................................................................................................................................................July 28
* While many classes begin during the first week of the semester, there are also classes which begin later in the semester.
Also, some classes do end before the last week of the semester.
Please refer to the summer semester curriculum class schedule for specific class start and end dates.
Note: Please check the CVCC website (www.cvcc.edu) for calendar and registration updates.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 7
2015-2016 Institutional Calendar
FALL SEMESTER 2015
Faculty/Staff Professional Development Activities (No Curriculum Classes) ............................................................................................................. August 12
Curriculum Instructional Work Days....................................................................................................................................................................... August 13-14
*Fall Curriculum Semester Begins............................................................................................................................................................................... August 17
Institutional Holiday ................................................................................................................................................................................................. September 7
Fall Fling/Student Appreciation Day ......................................................................................................................................................................September 16
Constitution Day Activities......................................................................................................................................................................................September 17
Mid-Semester Break for Curriculum Students....................................................................................................................................................... October 12-14
Last Day to Withdraw from Curriculum Classes without Academic Penalty .................................................................................................. 50% Date of Class
Break for Curriculum Students (No Curriculum Classes)....................................................................................................................................... November 11
Institutional Holiday................................................................................................................................................................................................. November 11
Break for Curriculum Students ......................................................................................................................................................................... November 25-28
Institutional Holidays..........................................................................................................................................................................................November 26-27
Spring Registration.......................................................................................................................................................................................November/December
*Fall Curriculum Semester Ends..............................................................................................................................................................................December 16
*Snow Make Up Days (If Necessary Due to Inclement Weather).................................................................................................................December 17, 18, 19
Institutional Holidays......................................................................................................................................................................................... December 24-31
* While many classes begin during the first week of the semester, there are also classes which begin later in the semester. Also, some classes do end
before the last week of the semester. Please refer to the fall semester curriculum class schedule for specific class start and end dates.
SPRING SEMESTER 2016
Institutional Holiday........................................................................................................................................................................................................January 1
CVCC Open................................................................................................................................................................................................................... January 4
Faculty/Staff Professional Development Activities (No Curriculum Classes)................................................................................................................January 6
Curriculum Instructional Work Days.......................................................................................................................................................................... January 7-8
*Spring Curriculum Semester Begins.......................................................................................................................................................................... January 11
Institutional Holiday .................................................................................................................................................................................................... January 18
Last Day to Withdraw from Curriculum Classes without Academic Penalty .................................................................................................. 50% Date of Class
Institutional Holiday........................................................................................................................................................................................................March 25
Mid-Semester Break for Curriculum Students .............................................................................................................................................March 26, 28, 29, 30
* Snow Makeup Days (If Necessary Due to Inclement Weather).............................................................................................................................March 29, 30
Summer Registration Activities.............................................................................................................................................................................................April
Spring Fling/Student Appreciation Day..............................................................................................................................................................................April 6
Awards Day ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................April 28
*Spring Curriculum Semester Ends.....................................................................................................................................................................................May 7
Commencement Activities...............................................................................................................................................................................................May 6, 7
* While many classes begin during the first week of the semester, there are also classes which begin later in the semester. Also, some classes do end
before the last week of the semester. Please refer to the spring semester curriculum class schedule for specific class start and end dates.
SUMMER SEMESTER 2016
*Summer Curriculum Semester Begins................................................................................................................................................................................ May 23
Institutional Holiday ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. May 30
Last Day to Withdraw from Curriculum Classes without Academic Penalty ......................................................................................................50% Date of Class
Adult Secondary Credentials Recognition Ceremony............................................................................................................................................................ June 2
Break for Curriculum Students ...............................................................................................................................................................................................July 4
Institutional Holiday ................................................................................................................................................................................................................July 4
Fall Registration Activities ............................................................................................................................................................................................ July/August
*Summer Curriculum Semester Ends................................................................................................................................................................................. August 2
*While many classes begin during the first week of the semester, there are also classes which begin later in the semester.
Also, some classes do end before the last week of the semester.
Please refer to the summer semester curriculum class schedule for specific class start and end dates
Note: Please check the CVCC website (www.cvcc.edu) for calendar and registration updates.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 8
General Information
CVCC Alexander Center for Education
CVCC Main Campus
CVCC Newton Center
CVCC East Campus
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 9
General Information
Mision Statement
Catawba Valley Community College is an innovative, comprehensive
community college that fosters and promotes a multitude of learning
experiences, enabling and empowering its students, faculty, staff, and
stakeholders to identify and to serve higher purposes in their lives and
in their communities.
Vision Statement
The vision of Catawba Valley Community College is to be validated
and recognized in the achievement of its mission as the statewide,
regional, and national standard of excellence for programs, services,
and facilities.
Histor y
Through the concerted efforts of concerned and united Catawba
County citizens and North Carolina educational leaders, on April 3,
1958, Catawba Valley Community College was established by the
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as the ninth school
of its kind in the state.
Construction of the original facilities began in 1959. The 40,000
square foot building costing approximately $500,000 was completed
in August 1960. An initial enrollment of seventy-seven (77) students
began classes in September of the same year. From 1960 to 1963, the
College operated under the jurisdiction of the Catawba County Board
of Education. During this time the College was known as the Catawba
County Industrial Education Center.
In July 1963, the General Assembly of North Carolina enacted into
law G.S. 115A which provided for the establishment of the present
North Carolina System of Community Colleges. On January 9, 1964,
Catawba Valley Technical Institute was among the original seven in-stitutes
chartered by the Department. At that time, CVTI established
its own Board of Trustees and began operation as a member of the
Department of Community Colleges. Thus, it was in August 1964,
that the College awarded its first Associate Degree in Applied Science.
It was during the transition from an Industrial Education Center to
Technical Institute that great strides began in expanding educational
programs, increasing student enrollment, developing quality instruction,
adding facilities, and increasing community acceptance and service.
On September 1, 1979, the name of the institution was changed to
Catawba Valley Technical College by the Trustees and commissioners
of Catawba County. On December 1, 1987, the State Board of Com-munity
Colleges officially approved CVTC to become Catawba Valley
Community College and the College Transfer program was approved.
The College continues as a publicly supported coeducational institution.
Location
Catawba Valley Community College is located in Hickory on High-ways
70 and 321-B, in Catawba County, North Carolina. Situated in
the heart of the Piedmont some 1,175 feet above sea level, CVCC is
easily accessible over Interstate 40, Highways 321, 70, 16 and 127. It
is within seven miles of a commercial airport and approximately 50
miles from metropolitan Charlotte.
The campus covers approximately 162 acres and includes 17 buildings
for an approximate total of 600,000 square feet of floor space. In ad-dition,
there is the CVCC East Campus, the Corporate Development
Center, the Manufacturing Solutions Center, and the Cosmetology
Center at the CVCC Newton Center in downtown Newton. The Alex-ander
Center for Education, a 15,000 square foot building situated on
4.72 acres at 345 Industrial Boulevard in Taylorsville, was purchased
by Alexander County in 2000 as an off-site center, which opened for
classes March 28, 2003. The facilities consist of modern brick build-ings.
Included is a 30,000 volume library for the use of both students
and public, a student center and food service area for leisure relaxation
and entertainment, and numerous classrooms and laboratories.
CVCC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CVCC policies and procedures regarding students are available for reference
on the CVCC website (www.cvcc.edu) under the About Us Link. Follow-ing
are the direct links, CVCC Policies - http://www.cvcc.edu/About_Us/
Policies/ and CVCC Procedures - http://www.cvcc.edu/About_Us/Proce-dures/.
These web pages include, but are not limited to, information regarding
admissions, course grading, student conduct, student due process, privacy of
students, visitors on campus, sexual offense/assault protocol, campus safety
and security, and reporting a crime. Printed copies of a policy/policies, or
procedure/procedures are available upon request to Student Services.
Tr an sfer Of CVCC Cr e dits To Ot he r
Coleges
Technical, vocational, and certificate programs of study at Catawba Valley
Community College have been established primarily to prepare individuals
for employment upon completion of studies. The College Transfer program
has been developed at CVCC to provide opportunities for students to transfer
two years of academic credit to senior colleges and universities. Numerous
differences exist in the transfer policies of senior institutions. Therefore,
details regarding a specific institution should be obtained from the senior
institution to which transfer is being considered.
Educational Consortium
Catawba Valley Community College is a member of the Charlotte Area
Educational Consortium (CAEC). This organization is composed of 24 col-leges
and universities working toward attaining the highest level of collegiate
and university education for the Charlotte Metrolina region. Consortium
members encourage the sharing of resources and energies among institutions
and seek to generate creative ideas for the most effective use of human and
other resources available among institutions.
Foremost among the goals of the Consortium is to afford students access
to broader educational experiences, both curricular and extra-curricular.
Full-time students at regular member colleges and universities are eligible
to participate in the inter-institutional student exchange program of the
Consortium. This enables them under certain circumstances to enroll in
some courses at other CAEC schools without paying additional fees. For
additional information on the CAEC and member institutions, please contact
the Director of Student Records.
Air Force ROTC Program
To prepare themselves to serve as commissioned officers in the Air Force,
students in college transfer programs to pursue a bachelor’s degree may
participate in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) offered
by the UNC-Charlotte Department of Aerospace Studies. Information is
available in Student Services or on the UNCC webpage at the following
address: www.coas.uncc.edu/afrotc/.
Appalachian Center AT Hic kor y
The Appalachian State University Center in Hickory is an educational
consortium of colleges and universities that offer community college stu-dents
and other adults opportunities to finish their bachelors degrees from
one of the participating colleges and universities. Graduate degrees are
also available. A wide variety of degree programs are offered with flexible
part-time and full-time schedules and face-to-face and on-line formats to
meet the needs of adult learners with busy schedules, families, and work
commitments. For more information on degree programs available through
the Appalachian State University Center in Hickory, call 828-324-6966.
Chalenger Earl y Colege High Schol
Challenger Early College High School is a Cooperative Innovative High
School approved under Part 9 of Article 16 of Chapter 115C of the General
Statutes, and is an application-based, selected enrollment high school and
joint oversight project of the Catawba Valley Education Consortium. It is
not a traditional, comprehensive high school. Enrollment is limited to no
more than 400 students who must enter as high school freshmen only. Note:
there are minors enrolled at CECH on CVCC’s campus. Challenger students
graduate with a university prep curriculum high school diploma and college
credit up to an Associates degree from CVCC. Supported by the NC Dept
of Public Instruction, NC Community College System, and NC New Schools
Project, the early college is a national school reform model designed through
research from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Stanford University,
Harvard University, and Jobs for the Future.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 10
Accreditation
Catawba Valley Community College is accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award
certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. Contact the Commission
on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or
call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Catawba
Valley Community College.
Most curriculum programs offered have been approved by the North
Carolina State Approving Agency for Veteran’s Education; however,
students should contact the VA certifying official in Student Services
for verification.
• The College is also a member of the American Association of Com-munity
Colleges.
• The Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the North
Carolina State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation
Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3343 Peachtree Road NE,
Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326, 404-975-5000.
• The program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on
Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of
“approval without reporting requirements.” The Commission is a spe-cialized
accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of
Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted
at 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
• The Emergency Medical Science program is Accredited by the Com-mission
on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, (www.
caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accredi-tation
of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services
Professions (CoAEMSP) Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
Education Programs, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL, 33756, 727-210-
2350, www.caahep.org.
• The Health Information Technology program is accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information
Management Education.
• The Polysomnography program is accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with
the Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnography.
• The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review
Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 20 North
Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL 60606-3182, 312-704-5300,
e-mail: mail@jrcert.org.
• The Respiratory Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission
on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). Commission
on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford,
Texas 76021-4244, 817-283-2835.
• The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission
on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration
with the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical
Technology and the commission’s Council on Accreditation and Unit
Recognition.
• The Cosmetology program is accredited by the NC State Board of
Cosmetic Arts.
• The Automotive Systems Technology program is accredited by the
National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
• The Learning Assistance Center Peer Tutoring Program is Level 1 and
Level 2 Tutor Certified by the College Reading and Learning Association
International Tutor Program.
• The Electroneurodiagnostic Technology Program is accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in
collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Electroneuro-diagnostic
Technology
• The Welding Technology Program is an Educational Institution Mem-ber
designated by the American Welding Society
• The Fire Protection Technology program is recognized as a Fire and
Emergency Services Higher Educaion (FESHE) Associate Degree
program by the National Fire Academy
• CVCC is also a member of North Carolina Community College
System; American Association of Community Colleges; Charlotte
Area Educational Consortium; League for Innovation; North Carolina
Citizens for Business and Industry; Charlotte Regional Workforce
Development Partnership.
Critical Suces Factors
In 1993, the State Board of Community Colleges began monitoring
performance data on specific measures to ensure public accountability
for programs and services. In 1998, the General Assembly directed the
State Board to review past performance measures and define standards
to ensure programs and services offered by community colleges in
North Carolina were of sufficient quality. (North Carolina Community
College System, 2012 Critical Success Factors Report, July 2012).
Through the 2012 reporting year, the annual NCCCS Critical Suc-cess
Factors Report was the means by which the community college
system reported on performance measures referred to as Critical
Success Factors. In February 1999, the North Carolina State Board
of Community Colleges originally adopted twelve (12) performance
measures to ensure that programs and services offered by community
colleges were of sufficient quality. During the 2010-2011 reporting
year, the number of measures was dropped to seven (7). These perfor-mance
standards focused primarily on student success and served as
the System’s major public accountability tool.
Beginning in 2013, the North Carolina Community College system
adopted the Performance Measures for Student Success. The measures
include basic skills progress, GED pass rates, developmental English
students’ performance in subsequent curricular courses, developmen-tal
mathematics students’ performance in subsequent curricular cours-es,
one-year progress, curricular completion rates, licensure pass rates,
and transfer student performance. Performance funding is based on
these measures.
Notice of Non -discrimination
Catawba Valley Community College does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex/gender, religion, creed, age,
or disability in its programs and activities. The following persons
have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimi-nation
policies.
Dean of the School of Student Access, Development, and Success
2550 Highway 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602-8302
Telephone – 828-327-7000
Director of Human Resources
2550 Highway 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602-8302
Telephone – 828-327-7000
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 11
Catawba Valley Community College • Performance Measures For Student Success
(North Carolina Community College System)
Goal = 51.2%
Baseline = 20.6%
Goal = 82%
Baseline = 49.3%
Goal = 74.9%
Base = 45.2%
Goal = 75.4%
Baseline = 47.5%
Goal = 74.6%
Baseline = 53.2%
Goal = 45.6%
Baseline = 28.6%
Goal = 91.7%
Baseline = 71.0%
Goal = 93.8%
Baseline = 71.2%
2014 NCCCS
Goal and Baseline
2014 NCCCS
Performance Measure
for Student Success
2014
CVCC
Measure
Basic Skills Progress
GED Pass Rate
Developmental English
Subsequent Success
Developmental
Mathematics
Subsequent Success
Year One Progress
Curriculum
Completion Rate
Licensure
Pass Rate
Transfer
Performance
For further explanation and information, please visit the
NCCCS Performance Measures for Student Success: North Carolina Community College College Creating Success
webpage at http://www.ncommunitycolleges.edu/sites/default/files/basicpage/
2014_performance_report_5-12-14.pdf.
2014 System
Institutional
Average
41.3%
73.6%
64.4%
64.4%
68.3%
43.6%
83.3%
87.8%
38.4%
74.7%
75.5%
62.0%
69.2%
38.4%
79.7%
89.6%
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 12
Admisions
General ADMISSION TO CVCC
CVCC follows “open door” admissions policies as established by the
North Carolina Community College System. Admission is open to per-sons
who are legal residents of the United States and who are either high
school graduates; High School Equivalency graduates such as GED; or
Adult High School Diploma Program graduates; or who are at least 18
years of age. Minors are admitted under provisions and rules established
by the State Board of Community Colleges.
A person is classified as a student when admission requirements are
met and registration for classes has occurred that cause
(1) tuition and fees to be paid (or encumbered by waiver, financial aid,
third party payment, etc.) and
(2) the person enters and attends the class(es).
A person continues to be a student by attending class and making
progress toward completion of the course objectives.
A person is no longer a student in a particular class when s/he has
exceeded the number of absences allowed in the class or is graded with a
WP or a WF. If this occurs in all classes during a particular semester, the
person is no longer a student for that semester at the point in time when
the last transaction has occurred.
A person is a visitor when not a student. Students are entitled to due
process. Visitors are not afforded due process.
Transfer Students
Transfer students may be admitted provided they meet all admission re-quirements.
Catawba Valley Community College will accept credits from
college/universities accredited by any one of the following eight regional ac-crediting
bodies authorized by the United States Department of Education:
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• WASC Senior College and University Commission
Courses with grades of “C-” or better will be accepted provided such
courses parallel the content of CVCC courses and are relevant to the student’s
program of study. Transfer students are notified about transfer credit to CVCC
from other institutions via student e-mail. Transfer credit is awarded only
for those courses that apply to the student’s program of study.
Grades for transferred courses are not included in a student’s GPA at
CVCC, although the credit hours are applied toward graduation. See also
Residency Requirements for graduation.
International Students
CVCC is authorized by the U.S. Department of Naturalization and
Immigration to admit international students with a valid F-1 Visa or valid
Permanent Resident Card. Work authorization cards are not permanent
resident cards. The following items are required for admission and must
be submitted as a complete package by the published deadline on the
CVCC website (www.cvcc.edu):
1. a completed Application for Admission, 2. all financial statements as
outlined on the CVCC website, 3. official transcripts from high school and
secondary schools translated and evaluated by any agency associated with
NACES, 4. a photograph, 5. verification of home country address, 6. an
official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test score less than
five (5) years old, and 7. a VISA clearance form if student is transferring
from another United States institution of higher learning. Upon receipt of
and verification of ALL application materials, a Certificate of Eligibility
(I-20) may be prepared and issued to the student. International students
may need to take placement tests administered at the CVCC Testing Cen-ter
and are charged the applicable out of state tuition rates. Students are
required to obey federal, state, and local laws. Commission or conviction
of certain crimes may impact the student’s ability to maintain F-1 status.
High Schol students
CAREER AND COLLEGE PROMISE
Session Law 2011-145, the Appropriations Act of 2011, authorized the
State Board of Education and the State Board of Community Colleges to
establish the Career and College Promise program, effective January 1, 2012.
Career and College Promise provides seamless dual enrollment educational
opportunities for eligible North Carolina high school students in order to
accelerate completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees
that lead to college transfer or provide entry-level job skills. North Carolina
community colleges may offer the following Career and College Promise
pathways aligned with the K-12 curriculum and career and college ready
standards adopted by the State Board of Education:
1. A College Transfer Pathway (CTP) leading to a minimum of 30 hours
of college transfer credit;
2. A Career and Technical Education Pathway (CTE) leading to a certificate,
diploma or degree;
3. A Cooperative Innovative High School Pathway approved under Part 9
of Article 16 of Chapter 115C of the General Statues.
Chalenger Earl y Colege High Schol
Challenger Early College High School is a Cooperative Innovative High
School approved under Part 9 of Article 16 of Chapter 115C of the General
Statutes, and is an application-based, selected enrollment high school and
joint oversight project of the Catawba Valley Education Consortium. It
is not a traditional, comprehensive high school. Enrollment is limited to
no more than 400 students who must enter as high school freshmen only.
Note: there are minors enrolled at CECH on CVCC’s campus. Challenger
students graduate with a university prep curriculum high school diploma
and college credit up to an Associates degree from CVCC. Supported by
the NC Dept of Public Instruction, NC Community College System, and NC
New Schools Project, the early college is a national school reform model
designed through research from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,
Stanford University, Harvard University, and Jobs for the Future.
Undocumented imigrants
CVCC may admit undocumented immigrant applicants consistent with
provisions of federal and state laws and regulations in the State Board
of Community Colleges code 1DSBCCC400.2 (b). Under current state
code, undocumented immigrant applicants do not qualify for federal or
state financial aid or for in-state residency for tuition. Undocumented
immigrants shall be charged at the out-of-state rate for curriculum
programs. Students lawfully present in the United States shall have priority
over any undocumented immigrant in any class or program of study when
capacity limitations exist.
Safet y Exception
CVCC may refuse admission to any applicant in accordance with the
following conditions as specified in State Board of Community Colleges
Code 1DSBCCC400.2 (e) and (f) entitled “Admission to Colleges,” 23
NCAC 02C.0301 A. CVCC may refuse admission to an applicant when
there is an articulable, imminent, and significant safety threat to the ap-plicant
or other individuals.
Admision to Curiculum programs
Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the curriculum
or program desired by the applicant. A student must satisfy the admissions
requirements for his/her program of study. Applicants will be admitted to
programs as admissions requirements are completed except for programs
with limited enrollment (discussed further below). Applicants may be
admitted to certain programs on a provisional basis until all admissions
requirements are completed.
Documentation/program requirements for specific healthcare programs
in the School of Health and Public Services are published on the CVCC
website. Due to the nature of healthcare accrediations, this information is
subject to change without notice.
Enrollment to certain programs is limited, and admission to these
programs is highly competitive. The most highly qualified applicants
are selected each year based upon completion of minimum admission
requirements. Applicants to healthcare programs must complete program
requirements as established by the program director to be considered
for selection. These admissions requirements may include, but are not
necessarily limited to, attendance at specialized Information Sessions,
completion of standardized aptitude tests, submission of letters of recom-mendations,
vaccinations, and/or health examination.
Graduation from a public high school, private high school - including
home schools, High School Equivalency graduates such as GED,
Adult High School Diploma graduates, or a correspondence school is re-quired
for admission to all associate degree programs and certain diploma
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 13
and certificate programs. If graduation from high school or equivalent is
a requirement for the intended program, applicants must provide official
transcripts (from high school, state GED Office/GED Administrator, or
Adult High School) evidencing graduation. The high school transcript
requirement is waived for associate degree program applicants who have
graduated from a regionally accredited two-year or four-year college, ex-cept
for applicants to certain programs in the School of Health and Public
Services, students receiving VA education benefits, and students who are
applying for federal/state financial aid.
Applicants to curriculum programs of study must provide official transcripts
from all regionally accredited colleges/universities previously attended. To
fulfill the college’s general admission requirements, students who have
attended foreign schools at the secondary level (high school) and/or post-secondary
level (college/university) must submit transcripts according to
the following two steps:
Step 1: The foreign transcript must be written in or translated into the
English language. Translated transcripts must be literal (word for word)
and the translator must sign the translated copy and include contact in-formation.
The name the student is currently using and the date of birth
should appear on the transcript.
Step 2: If the translator in Step 1 is not a current member of the Na-tional
Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) (www.
naces.org) that also provides evaluation services, then the translated tran-script
must be evaluated by a member of NACES. Foreign secondary
level transcripts must indicate US high school equivalency. Foreign post-secondary
transcripts must indicate potential transfer credit.
Please note that the student will likely incur a fee for translation and/or
evaluation services with NACES members. The amount of time it takes
to translate and/or evaluate transcripts varies by NACES member.
Note: The evaluating agency for post-secondary transcripts (college/
university) or translator for secondary transcripts (high school) must send
the evaluation report directly to Catawba Valley Community College’s
Student Records Office. Student copies of evaluations will not be accepted.
No veteran may be certified for Veterans Educational Assistance Ben-efits
(G.I. Bill) until all admissions requirements have been met and an
unconditional acceptance has been granted.
ADmision Procedures
The application and enrollment process at CVCC may take 1-3 weeks,
depending on the applicant’s program of study. Many programs require that
you be a high school graduate, have a High School Equivalency such as
GED, or an Adult High School Diploma before you enroll. Some programs
of study are LIMITED ENROLLMENT; some have additional admissions
requirements that must be completed earlier in the academic year(s).
Following are the general procedures to apply for admission to a cur-riculum
program of study:
1. Individuals who have never attended college or former CVCC students
who have not been enrolled for one year should attend a “Starting Points”
Information Session. This 45 minute session is an opportunity to aid future
students in understanding the admission, placement test and financial aid
processes. Sessions are offered on various days at various times; schedules
are posted on the CVCC homepage.
2. Determine a Program of Study. Contact the Career Center for guid-ance,
at 828-327-7000, ext. 4690.
3. Send official high school, Adult High School, or High School
Equivalency (such as GED) transcripts to CVCC. In addition, send of-ficial
college transcripts from every institution applicant has attended,
SAT scores, ACT scores or placement test scores from another institution.
Contact the College Registrar or College Records of all previous schools/
colleges to request official transcripts. There may be fees for transcripts.
Send all official documents to CVCC Student Records, 2550 Highway 70
SE, Hickory, NC 28602. Applicants for health care programs of study must
secure all official transcripts and bring them to the college when activating an
application. High school and college transcripts must be presented along with the
application already on file in the Student Records Office before an application
can be processed.
4. Complete the paper Application to the College using blue or black
ink or apply online. ALL applicants must bring a photo ID and meet
with admissions staff to activate the application.
5. Prepare for and take any necessary placement tests as determined by
Admissions Staff. There is no fee for placement testing, but it is offered
by appointment only. Admissions Staff will assist applicants with an ap-pointment
day and time. (A valid photo ID is required)
6. Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete the online version of the FAFSA at www.
fafsa.ed.gov; there are semester deadlines for filing the FAFSA. The FAFSA
code for CVCC is 005318. Students cannot become eligible for Financial
Aid until they successfully complete the FAFSA online. Financial Aid is
not final until a student has received an award letter via their CVCC
e-mail from the CVCC Financial Aid Office. If a student is going to use
Veteran’s Administration benefits, visit their website at http://www.gibill.
va.gov/GI_BILL_Info/education_forms.htm. If a student is using TAA or
WIA benefits, complete the FAFSA. Not all educational programs at CVCC
are eligible for TAA/WIA benefit coverage.
Special Admisions Requirements For
Health Programs
In addition to the general procedures to apply for admission to a cur-riculum
program of study, applicants for the health programs must complete
other procedures.
Applicants for health care programs of study must secure all official
transcripts and bring them to the college when activating an application.
High school and college transcripts must be presented along with the
application or already on file in the Student Records Office before an ap-plication
can be processed.
All applicants for health programs must attain the established minimum
placement test scores determined by their department of interest. All place-ment
test scores, depending upon the testing agency, must be less than
three, or five years old. See Testing Services on page 18.
Certain health programs require completion of educational experiences
in clinical/lab facilities. These clinical/lab facilities may require students
to undergo criminal background checks and/or drug testing. If a
student is excluded from clinical/lab facilities as a result of a background
check and/or drug testing, the student may be asked to withdraw from the
program. Some facilities may also require additional vaccinations and/or
health examinations.
Admission into any health program will be contingent upon receipt of a
CVCC medical form documenting that the applicant possesses satisfactory
physical and mental health. Facilities for providing health care services
are not available on campus. In accordance with the State Board of Com-munity
Colleges code 1DSBCCC400.2 (b), students lawfully present in
the United States shall have priority over any undocumented immigrant in
any class or program of study when capacity limitations exist. Addition-ally,
community colleges shall take into account that federal law prohibits
states from granting professional licenses to undocumented immigrants
Effective for fall 2015, students may apply to no more than ONE health
care program within the School of Health and Public Services.
Special Ad mission s Requ ireme nts For Earl y
Childhod education Programs
In addition to the general procedures to apply for admission to a cur-riculum
program of study, applicants for the Early Childhood Education
program must complete other procedures.
CVCC’s Early Childhood Education program requires completion of
educational experiences in childcare facilities and/or public school set-tings.
These settings require students to undergo criminal background
checks. If a student is excluded from an educational setting as a result
of a background check, the student may be asked to withdraw from the
program. Some settings may also require additional vaccinations and/or
health examinations.
Admission into CVCC’s Early Childhood Education program may be
contingent upon receipt of a CVCC medical form documenting that the
applicant possesses satisfactory physical and mental health. Facilities for
providing health care services are not available on campus.
Special Credit Students
Individuals may enroll in classes without pursuing a certificate, diploma,
or degree. Persons enrolling under these circumstances are considered
SPECIAL CREDIT STUDENTS. Placement tests may be required de-pending
upon the student’s educational background and the prerequisites/
corequisites of the courses in which the student wishes to register. Special
Credit Students are not eligible to receive federal/state financial aid and
must meet all course prerequisites.
A military veteran can not receive Veterans Educational Assistance
Benefits (G.I. Bill) as a special credit student.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 14
Fes , Financial Aid ,
AND Scholarships
CVCC charges tuition in accordance with policies established by the North
Carolina Community College System. Tuition rates are subject to change.
Certain fees have been established in accordance with guidelines and ranges
established by the North Carolina Community College System. Fees are
subject to change. Due dates for tuition and fees are established by the Chief
Financial Officer or designee. Students will forfeit their seat in a class if they
fail to pay the applicable tuition/fees by the established due date.
Tuition (Subject to change depending on action of General Assembly.)
Tuition Per Semester:
North Carolina Residents
16 hrs. or more............................................................$1,152.00
15 hrs. or less (per semester hr.)......................................$72.00
Out-of-State Residents
16 hrs. or more............................................................$4,224.00
15 hrs. or less (per semester hr.)....................................$264.00
Determinations of North Carolina Residency for tuition purposes
are made by the Director of Admissions or designee in accordance with
laws and regulations established by the North Carolina General Assembly.
North Carolina residency is not a factor in the tuition charged for non-credit
courses. A student initially classified as an out-of-state resident for tuition
purposes may request a change of residency classification upon meeting the
“resident for tuition purposes” requirements. Detailed information regarding
residency requirements and procedures for requesting a change in residency
classification is available in Student Services.
It is the student’s responsibility, whether classified as a resident or
non-resident, to report any information to Student Services which may
indicate a need for reclassification.
Tuition for students enrolling in Occupational Extension courses vary
per course. However, fees may be established for self-supporting seminars
and courses according to the schedule below in which more than normal
expenses to the College are incurred. Such charges may cover the cost of
instructional materials and/or textbooks required in such classes.
Continuing Education Occupational Extension (per course)
0-24 hours...............................................................................$70.00
25-50 hours...........................................................................$125.00
50+ hours..............................................................................$180.00
Students who take an Occupational Extension course more than twice
within a five-year period; unless required for certification, recertification,
or licensure; are required to pay a different formula rate per contact hour.
FEES AND INSURANCE
Student Activity Fee
7 or more credit hours .................................................................$32.00
Less than 7 credit hours (per semester hour).................................$5.00
Student Accident Insurance (per semester)....................................$1.25
Computer Use and Technology Fee
(Curriculum Students per semester)............................................$16.00
Computer Use and Technology Fee
(Continuing Education Students per designated
technology-related course)........................................................$5.00
Diploma Fee ................................................................................$25.00
Certificate Fee..............................................................................$10.00
Liability/Malpractice
(ADN, Surgical Technology, Respiratory Therapy, EMS,
Dental Hygiene, Polysomnography, and
Electroneurodiagnostic Students)................................................$27.50
Liability/Malpractice (CNA and Phlebotomy Students)..............$14.50
Service Charge for Returned Checks...........................................$25.00
Lab Fees..........................................................................................TBA
Replacement Fee for Library/Data Card......................................$10.00
Transcript Fee................................................................................$5.00
• To view a copy of CVCC’s Student Accident Insurance Brochure visit
(http://www.cvcc.edu/Student_Services/Business_Office/Tuition_Fees.cfm)
Accident insurance must be purchased by students registering for cur-riculum
classes. The premium must be paid at the time of registration at
the beginning of each semester.
Students enrolled in certain health programs/courses are required to
purchase liability/malpractice insurance. The premium for this insurance
is paid once annually through the business office.
Certain fees have been approved for testing services. These include
fees for Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) certification testing,
test proctoring for non-CVCC students, or other special circumstances.
FEE WAIVERS. In compliance with North Carolina Statutes and
regulations of the North Carolina Community College System, tuition and
fees may be waived under the following circumstances: (1) no extension
registration fee shall be charged of individuals enrolling in special exten-sion
training programs for emergency telecommunication personnel, fire
department personnel, volunteer rescue and life saving personnel, local
law enforcement officers, or members of auxiliaries of such groups, pro-viding
the individual is a member of the group for which training is being
provided; and (2) no extension registration fee will be charged to patients
of state alcoholic rehabilitation centers.
High School students taking college credit classes through the Career
and College Promise program are exempt from applicable tuition for fall
and spring semesters. Applicable fees will be charged.
OTHER EXPENSES. The cost of books, supplies, and equipment
varies from one program of study to another.
COLLECTION NOTICE. The College reserves the right to use all
means necessary to collect any outstanding balances. This may include
but is not limited to the use of NC Set-off Debt.
OTHER ACTIONS REGARDING PAST DUE ACCOUNTS. All
previously incurred expenses and accounts, including library and payments
made to Nelnet (a third party company) for tuition, generally must be fully
paid before a student may re-enter at the beginning of any semester and
before transcript, diploma, or certificate will be furnished.
REFUNDS
CURRICULUM CLASSES. The College follows the refund policies
established by the North Carolina Community College System. A copy
of the current refund policies may be obtained from the Business Office.
Specific guidelines and processes to ensure compliance with these poli-cies
shall be established by the Chief Financial Officer or designee. The
following are specific guidelines which have been established in accor-dance
with these policies. Refunds for less than $5.00 will not be made.
A full (100 %) tuition refund shall be made if the student officially
withdraws prior to the start date of the class. Example – If the start date
of the class as indicated on the student’s schedule is September 1, the
student must withdraw from that class on or before August 31 to receive
a full (100%) tuition refund.
A 75% tuition refund shall be made if the student withdraws on or before the
census date of the class. The census date for a class is the 10% point of the class.
No tuition refund shall be made if the student withdraws from a class
after the census date of that class. The census date for a class is the 10%
point of the class.
The student fees, accident insurance premium, and some program
specific fees (i.e., mal-practice insurance fees, processing fees, etc.) are
not refundable unless the student officially withdraws prior to the start of
his/her classes, a student’s class is cancelled, or the College determines
an institutional error has occurred.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES. This policy includes
occupational extension classes. A full refund will be given if the
student officially withdraws from class prior to the first class
meeting. Allow a minimum of two (2) weeks for processing of
refund requests. Refunds for less than $5.00 will not be made.
After the class begins, a 75% refund of registration only will be made
if the student officially withdraws from the class prior to or on the 10%
point of scheduled hours.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 15
FINANCIAL AID
Students who enroll are encouraged to submit the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available at www.fafsa.gov. Students are
encouraged to apply by the deadline dates located on the CVCC website.
The student’s financial need is determined through an analysis of FAFSA
application and is granted on an annual basis. Financial assistance for
educational expenses may be available in the form of grants, scholar-ships,
loans, or work programs.
Student financial aid programs require that the student: (a) demon-strate
financial need, except for some loan programs, (b) provide an of-ficial
high school transcript or High School Equivalency diploma (such
as GED, (c) be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree,
diploma, or certificate in an eligible program, (d) be a U.S. Citizen or
eligible noncitizen, (e) have a valid Social Security Number, (f) make sat-isfactory
academic progress, and (g) register with the Selective Service,
if required.
I. FEDERAL AID PROGRAMS
FEDERAL PELL GRANT. This grant is a source of federal student
financial aid which provides eligible students with a “floor” of financial
aid to help defray the cost of postsecondary education. Student eligibility
is primarily based on financial need.
FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
GRANT. This is a federal grant which is a “supplement” to the Pell Grant
for students demonstrating the greatest financial need.
FEDERAL WORK STUDY. This federal program provides jobs at
the College for students who have financial need. The number of hours
worked is based on financial need and on how the combination of work
and study hours will affect the student’s academic progress.
VA EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS. Special needs and information
about policies and procedures for veteran students and dependents using
VA benefits are provided by the Veteran Certifying Official in Student
Services, and the local county VA offices. Students desiring to use VA
Educational benefits should contact Student Services for CVCC program
information and admissions requirements. Students must be accepted in a
VA approved program of study and meet all institutional and VA require-ments
before certification can be made to the Veterans Administration.
The specific application for benefits can be made on line at www.gibill.
va.gov or with a VA Certifying Official in Student Services. Additional
information regarding benefits, eligibility, policies, and procedures may
be obtained from these offices. (See Veterans Affairs page 19.)
DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM
A. SUBSIDIZED LOAN. This type of loan is awarded on the basis
of financial need. The federal government pays the interest on the loan
(“subsidizes” the loan) until repayment begins and during authorized
periods of deferment.
B. UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN. This type of loan is not awarded on the
basis of need. Interest will be charged from the time the loan is disbursed
until it is paid in full. A student must be an independent undergraduate or a
dependent student whose parents are unable to get a PLUS loan.
C. PLUS LOAN. This type of loan is for the parent of a student who
qualifies as a dependent student. The parent does not have to demonstrate
“need” but must not have an adverse credit history.
II. STATE SUPPORTED AID PROGRAMS
NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRANT. This
is a need based grant established by the NC Legislature to provide funds
to help meet the educational costs of NC residents attending community
colleges. To apply, the student must complete the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is based on the student being
a NC resident, enrolled at least half time in an eligible curriculum pro-gram,
maintaining satisfactory progress, meeting the Pell Grant eligibility
requirements, and demonstrating financial need. Possible recipients are
selected by the College Foundation of North Carolina, with each commu-nity
college certifying that the student meets all eligibility requirements.
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP.
The Education Lottery Scholarship was created by the 2005 General
Assembly to provide financial assistance to needy North Carolina residents.
To apply, the student must complete the FAFSA. Eligibility is based on
the student being a NC resident, enrolled at least half time in an eligible
curriculum program, maintaining satisfactory progress, meeting the Fed-eral
Pell Grant requirements, and demonstrating financial need. Possible
recipients are selected by College Foundation of North Carolina, with
each community college certifying that the student meets all eligibility
requirements.
STATE EMPLOYEE CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION
SCHOLARSHIP. The SECU Foundation established this two year
scholarship program to assist North Carolina Community College students
achieve academic success. Preference will be given to students whose
parents or guardians and family members are public sector employees who
live and work in North Carolina. To apply, students must have completed
the FAFSA. In addition, the student must be full time, a U.S. citizen, have
demonstrated leadership and excellence of character, and maintain a 2.5
or higher GPA. Scholarship amounts are $2,500 per year. Recipients are
selected by the Financial Aid Office. Information for the scholarship is
available through the CVCC Financial Aid Office.
VETERANS’ CHILDREN SCHOLARSHIP. Children of certain
veterans who were either killed in action, disabled while in the armed
forces, a prisoner of war or missing in action for a certain period of time
may be entitled to financial aid from the North Carolina Division of Vet-erans
Affairs to attend CVCC. Students may apply through the local N.C.
Division of Veterans Affairs Office.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AID. By action of the United
States Congress, any physically, mentally, or emotionally disabled
student may be eligible for financial aid and for scholarship assis-tance.
If a prospective student has any of these limitations, the nearest
office of the North Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
should be contacted. If the student prefers, the CVCC Financial Aid Of-fice
may be contacted.
WELLS FARGO TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP. Through a grant
to the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges by Wells Fargo
Bank, one scholarship is available annually to students in the second year of
a two-year technical program. Selection is based upon need and scholastic
performance during the first year of studies.
OTHER AID. In addition to the above programs, various companies
and civic organizations provide scholarships to deserving students.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 16
III. Satisfactory Ac ade mic Pr ogres s
Standards for Financial Aid
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a set of standards for financial
aid progress to insure that all students receiving federal (Title IV) or
state aid are making progress toward completion of a degree. The policy
requires the measurement of satisfactory academic progress to include all
periods of enrollment at the institution, including those periods for which
the student did not receive any financial aid.
New federal regulations effective July 1, 2011, affect Satisfactory
Academic Progress policies and procedures. The rules limit the length of
time that students not making progress can continue to receive Title IV aid
and require a more structured, comprehensive, and consistent approach
to the development and implementation of institutional financial aid
satisfactory academic progress policies.
Purpose , Procedures , Monitoring ,
Warning & Suspension , Apeals
Purpose
Institutions of higher education are required by federal regulations to
establish minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress for
students receiving financial aid. It is the expectation that students are to
achieve minimum levels of progress toward completion of a degree. The
progress is measured both qualitatively and quantitatively. The maximum
time frame for an academic program is divided into increments to ensure
that the student is making sufficient progress toward completion of
the degree. The institution will determine at the end of each increment
(semester) if the student has completed a minimum of percentage of work
toward completion of the degree. All semesters attempted at the institution
will calculate in this determination, regardless of whether or not the
student has received financial aid in the past. The Standards will apply to
all students applying for or receiving federal or state aid.
The student is responsible for understanding the policy regarding
Satisfactory Academic Progress and for being in compliance. The student
is also responsible for understanding the consequences for noncompliance.
Procedures
To be eligible for financial aid, students must meet the following
minimum guidelines:
Qualitative Standard - The student must maintain a minimum
cumulative GPA of 2.00. Grades for developmental courses are not
included in the semester GPA or cumulative GPA.
Q uanti tative Standard – The student must complete 67%
(two-thirds) of all credit hours attempted from the beginning date of
enrollment at the college. Developmental course hours are included in this
measurement. Cumulative credit hours attempted will include all hours
for which the student was enrolled as of the census date of the class (10%
point of the class). Credit hours otherwise marked as forgiven under the
previous Academic Forgiveness policy are included in hours attempted
and hours completed if appropriate based on the grades received. Transfer
credit hours that are accepted toward the student’s educational program
will count as both attempted and completed hours
Maximum Time Frame – The student must successfully complete the
program of study within the maximum time frame. Federal regulations
specify that the time frame may not exceed 150% of the published length
of the program as measured in credit hours. Credit hours for developmental
courses required by placement testing will be excluded (up to 30 credit
hours) from the 150% calculation of hours. Transfer credits accepted
from other schools that apply toward the student’s program of study are
included in the maximum time frame.
Monitoring
The Financial Aid Office will monitor satisfactory academic progress
for all students receiving or applying for federal or state aid to ensure
that they are making progress toward program completion. The progress
for all students receiving federal or state aid will be reviewed at the end
of each semester. Students will be notified by e-mail regarding the
status. Failure to receive notification will not change the student’s status.
Not enrolling for one or more terms does not change the student’s status.
Cumulative Credit Hours Atempted – Cumulative credit hours
attempted are defined as all credit hours attempted at CVCC, and all credit
hours transferred from other institutions. Attempted credits include courses
with grades of A, B, C, D, F, or P (pass). Credit hours for which a grade
of WP (withdraw passing), WF (withdraw failing), CS (continued study),
or I (incomplete) or R (repeat) count as attempted hours.
Re pea ted Courses – will be counted as hours attempted, hours
completed, and also toward maximum credits allowable for each type
of program for financial aid. Only one repetition of a previously passed
course may be counted in the enrollment status. A course that has not
been passed may count in the enrollment status until the course has been
successfully completed.
Cumulative Credit Hours Completed – Credit hours successfully
completed are defined as grades of A, B, C, D or P (pass). Credit hours with
a grade of F, WP, WF, CS, I, or R do not count as successfully completed
credit hours.
Audited Courses – Credit hours taken for a grade of “audit” do not
apply toward a degree program. The grade of “audit” is not included in
determining status for financial aid and does not count in the calculation
of satisfactory academic progress.
Incomplete Grades – Courses with grades of I (Incomplete) will be
considered as credit hours attempted and not completed. Students who have
made arrangements with the instructor to complete required course work are
not required to re-register for the same class during a subsequent semester
to complete the work. If the “incomplete” grade resulted in a student being
placed on financial aid probation or suspension, once completed, the student
must notify the Financial Aid Office to have progress reevaluated.
Cumulative Grade Point Average – The minimum cumulative
GPA for graduation at CVCC is 2.00. The student receiving financial aid
must meet the minimum standard of the school.
Course Withdrawals – Any student who withdraws from a class,
either officially or unofficially should know how the withdrawal could
affect the eligibility for financial aid as determined by the Satisfactory
Academic Progress Standards. A withdrawal will count as attempted, but
not completed credit hours. A grade of WP will affect the quantitative
measure, but not the qualitative measure, as it will not count in the GPA
calculation. A grade of WF will affect both the quantitative and qualitative
measure, as it will count in the GPA. Financial Aid recipients should
discuss the consequences of withdrawing from a class with the Financial
Aid Office before doing so.
De ve lopmental Courses – Federal regulations allow financial
aid recipients to take a maximum of 30 credit hours of developmental
coursework. Developmental courses are included in the calculation of
satisfactory progress in the quantitative measure (hours attempted versus
completed). The grade received for the developmental class, however, is
not included in the GPA. To remain in good standing, students enrolled in
developmental courses must receive grades of P.
Transfer Students – All transfer credit hours granted to the student
will be included in the measurement of maximum time frame. Transfer
credit hours that are accepted toward the student’s educational program
will count as both attempted and completed hours.
Change of Majors – Students who change majors without graduating
from a program will assume the time frame of the new major and all hours
previously attempted will count toward the maximum time frame of the
new major. Frequent changing of programs without graduating could
result in the loss of federal or state eligibility. If a student graduates from
a program of study and desires to pursue another program, the student will
assume the maximum time frame of the new program less any attempted
hours related to courses not required in the program previously completed.
A student is allowed to receive financial aid for the completion of only
two academic programs.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 17
Double Majors – Students who choose to double major (pursue
multiple programs at the same time) will assume the maximum time frame
of only one academic program.
Sumer Sesion – Credit hours attempted and earned during the
summer session are included in the calculation of Satisfactory Academic
Progress. Full-time status is the same for summer session as it is for the
fall and spring semesters (12 credit hours).
Enrolment Status – Full time (12 credit hours or more), 3/4 time
(9-11 credit hours), 1/2 time (6-8 credit hours), less than 1/2 time (less
than 6 credit hours)
Warning and Suspension
Warning – The minimum credit hour completion requirement
(quantitative measure) and the minimum GPA academic standards
(qualitative measure) are assessed at the end of each term. If a student
does not have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) AND pass
at least 67% of the credit hours on a cumulative basis, the student is
placed on WARNING for the next term attended. This calculation is
done on all classes attempted from the beginning date of enrollment at
CVCC. The student will be notified by email at the end of the semester if
he/she is in the WARNING status. Financial aid may be received during
this WARNING term.
For students in clock hour programs, the review of progress will be
done at the point the scheduled clock hours for that payment period are
successfully completed. In order for the student to be eligible for the next
payment period, the student must have successfully completed both the
clock hours and the weeks of instructional time for the required period.
Suspension - At the end of the WARNING period, students whose term
completion rate and GPA do not meet SAP standards (67% completion of
all hours attempted and a 2.0 cumulative GPA) will be on SUSPENSION.
Students who are suspended will no longer be eligible to receive financial aid.
At this time, the student must pay for college expenses each semester until the
SAP standards are met or submit an Appeal if documentation can be provided
to indicate extenuating circumstances that impacted academic performance.
After Suspension - Other than when an Appeal is granted, a student
can reestablish eligibility of financial aid only by taking action that brings
the student in compliance with the qualitative and quantitative components
of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, including the maximum
time frame. It may be in the best interest of the student to consider taking
fewer credit hours, which will allow the student to focus on achieving a
higher GPA and completion rate. The student may, at any time, request to
have eligibility reevaluated by the Financial Aid Office.
It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the Satisfactory
Academic Progress Standards for financial aid eligibility. When placed
on Warning or Suspension, the student is notified by the CVCC email
account. If the necessary action is taken by the student to bring the student
back in compliance with the qualitative and quantitative components of the
Standards, financial aid (depending on the availability of funds) is reinstated
at the beginning of the next term of attendance, if otherwise eligible.
APPEALS
SAP Apeals - A student may appeal the Suspension of financial aid
by obtaining a Satisfactory Progress Appeal Request form online at
www.cvcc.edu and indicating in writing: a) reasons why he or she did not
achieve minimum standards, b) reasons why his or her eligibility should
not be terminated, but reinstated. Appeals must be submitted in writing
with supporting documentation explaining any unusual circumstances that
caused the student’s academic progress to be less than required. Federal
regulations give some examples where allowances might be made for
mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances are defined as (1)
death of a relative of the student, (2) an injury or illness of the student,
(3) other special circumstances causing undue hardship to the student and
beyond reasonable control of the student. An Appeal cannot be based
on the student’s lack of knowledge regarding the policy or simply the
need for financial aid. An Appeal will be automatically rejected if no
documentation is provided.
A student suspended for exceeding the maximum hours allowed for
degree completion should complete the Financial Aid Satisfactory
Progress Appeal Request form and have an academic advisor submit in
writing the remaining hours required for degree completion if extenuating
circumstances require the student to exceed the maximum hours limit.
The Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Appeal Request form should
be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid no later than the first day of
classes of the next semester of enrollment. Once the Financial Aid Sat-isfactory
Progress Appeal Request is received, the Director will have
14 days to make an eligibility determination.
Students on financial aid Suspension who are seeking to regain eligibility
for financial aid through the Appeal process will remain ineligible for
assistance until the Appeal process is completed and an affirmative
decision has been made. Students on financial aid Suspension should
not depend on financial aid to pay for costs of registration, but should be
prepared to pay from their own resources pending the outcome of their
financial aid Appeal. The student will be reimbursed if the Appeal is
approved.
Probation on Appeal – If an Appeal is approved, the student will be
placed on Probation by Appeal. This status will hold the student to a
higher term-based standard for SAP evaluation. Probation on Appeal
students must earn a minimum term-based GPA of 2.50 (or equivalent
if course is repeated) and complete 100% of hours attempted for the
term. Those meeting the standard will continue in this status until they
regain full satisfactory SAP status (67% completion and 2.0 cumulative
GPA). Failure to meet the Probation on Appeal conditions each
semester will result in Suspension of aid. Students may want to consider
reducing the number of attempted hours per semester in order to maintain
satisfactory progress.
Appealing the 150% Time frame Rule - Students who wish to appeal
the 150% time frame rule are required to complete the Financial Aid
Satisfactory Progress Appeal Request form and have an academic advisor
complete the Academic Plan form to determine how many courses
remain toward graduation. The advisor must provide the student with
an educational plan that will allow the student to complete the degree.
The student must successfully complete 100% of everything attempted
from that point forward to complete the degree (no withdrawals, no
incompletes, and no grades lower than a C). If the student fails in these
requirements, the aid will be permanently suspended.
It is the student’s responsibility to understand this policy. If, at any
time, there are questions regarding the policy, please see the Financial
Aid Office.
IV. LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS AND
FINANCIAL AID
A. CVCC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
The Catawba Valley Community College Foundation, Inc., is a nonprofit
organization that provides the community a vehicle through which invest-ments
may be made in the education of CVCC students through scholarship
funds. These scholarship funds provide an opportunity for each student to
compete for funds to pay for his/her education. Scholarships are provided
through tax-deductible gifts from individuals, businesses, community or-ganizations,
and CVCC alumni. All CVCC students are invited to submit a
scholarship application. One scholarship application initiates the application/
eligibility process for all Foundation scholarships. When the CVCC student
enrollment form is activated, an invitation to apply for a CVCC Foundation
Scholarship is sent via the email address or home address found on the en-rollment
form. The CVCC Foundation Scholarship selection is a continuous
process. Each student is encouraged to return the scholarship application as
soon as possible for access to the scholarship process.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 18
STUDENT LIFE
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
Student Services provides entry, support, and transition services to curric-ulum
students. A definitive program of services is offered to assist a student in
satisfactorily selecting, entering, progressing within, and completing
a program of study. In addition, a student is provided with numerous
opportunities for personal development and social growth through a variety
of planned activities.
ACADEMIC ADVISING. Each curriculum student enrolled in a
degree, diploma or certificate program will have access to academic
advising through an assigned advisor or through the Advising Center.
This determination is made during the Admissions interview and will
be communicated to the student as appropriate for the program of study.
The purpose of academic advising is to assist the student with planning a
course schedule, registration, program sequence and completion, academic
probation, graduation review, and general academic advising.
ADVISING CENTER. The Center is currently located in the lower
level of the Student Services Building. Hours are posted at the Center.
The phone number is 828-327-7000, ext. 4687.
CAREER CENTER. 828-327-7000, ext. 4690.
Carer Counseling . Individual career counseling is available
to all students who are interested in discussing their career interests, choice
of program, and career goals. Career assessments and career reference
information are used to assist students in examining their interests, values,
and skills to explore career options. Assessments available include: Self
Directed Search, Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator, Focus 2, and
CFNC Planning Tools.
Job Placement . Students have access to jobs listed by employ-ers
who call the Career Center for assistance. The office has listings for
full-time, part-time and temporary jobs. Current students, former students,
and graduates of curriculum programs are eligible for placement services.
Services include job preparation (job search, resume writing, applications,
interviewing, etc.) job fairs, workshops, and on-campus interviews.
Wor k Based Learning (WBL). WBL is a curriculum (credit)
course that can provide on-the-job work experience for students enrolled
in eligible programs. Students work in jobs related to their program of
study and receive course credit for the learning that takes place on the job.
Not all programs have WBL as an option and there are requirements that
students must meet prior to enrolling in a WBL course. WBL options for
eligible programs are listed in each program of study. Interested students
may contact the Career Center at 828-327-7000, ext. 4812, or their advisor.
COUNSELING. CVCC does not offer mental health/personal coun-seling
services. Admission staff members are available to assist students
with academic or vocational issues. Also, the CVCC Career Center may
offer career/vocational assistance to students. If at any point an admissions
representative determines a student’s ability to benefit from campus services
is limited, the staff member will recommend appropriate resources and
suggest alternatives to the student.
E-MAIL ACCOUNTS. CVCC creates a college e-mail address for
students within five business days of the application processing visit in the
Student Development office. Students are expected to read the CVCC
email daily. The College shares critical information regarding financial
aid, New Student Orientation, academic issues, grades, registration,
campus safety alerts, and general news through e-mail. It is the preferred
method of communication with students to ensure timeliness of informa-tion,
safety, and security. It is the student’s responsibility to learn how to
login and read CVCC e-mail and follow specialized requests from various
campus departments.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES. Consistent with the open
door admissions policy, it is the intent of the college administration
that no person be denied the opportunity to pursue financial assistance.
Therefore, scholarship and financial assistance information is available
during the admissions counseling process. The Director of Scholarships
and Financial Aid is available to assist students and potential students in
planning for the financial support of their education.
HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY TESTING. The Adult Secondary
Credentials (ASC) tests, (such as GED) are administered on a regularly scheduled
basis. Contact the Testing Center at 828-327-7000 ext. 4260 for the GED test-ing
schedule.
HEALTH SERVICES/INFORMATION. There is no formal health
care program/clinic available for students. The Student Government As-sociation
shall include various health related activities/information in its
general college programming. These may include presentations by col-lege
personnel or outside health care agencies on substance abuse, HIV,
wellness, nutrition, and/or other vital health care topics. Any student,
faculty or staff health related emergencies are referred to area health care
providers/agencies. CVCC has a policy designed to protect all employees
and students in the workplace from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. A
copy of the policy is on file in the office of the Dean, School of Access,
Development, & Success, located in Student Services.
HOUSING. Catawba Valley Community College primarily serves
students within commuting distance of the campus. CVCC has no dormi-tory
or housing facilities.
ORIENTATION. New Student Orientation is required of all new stu-dents.
Upon completion, individuals will be allowed to register for courses.
New Student Orientation is offered in an online format. This orientation
introduces individuals to information about how to navigate on campus,
explore career options, and register for upcoming courses. Participants will
also be instructed on how to access online classes, student accounts, grade
information, and payment options through CVCC’s student software.
PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. A pro-gram
of services is provided for students with disabilities. Individuals
with disabilities (as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) of 1990, and the ADA Amended Act 2008) wishing to make a
request for reasonable accommodation or wishing to file a complaint of
alleged discrimination on the basis of disability should contact the Coun-selor
for the Program for Students with Disabilities by phone at 828-
327-7000, extension 4222 or by mail at 2550 Highway 70 SE, Hickory,
NC 28602. It is the student’s responsibility to request these services.
Current documentation of the disability by an appropriate professional
may be required. All information is kept confidential. Students will be
required to sign a release of information form before any special contact is
made to arrange accommodations. Requests for reasonable accommoda-tion
should be made several weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for
accommodations to be arranged.
Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
for Homeles and Unaccompanied Youth .
In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, ser-vices
are provided to help smooth the transition to college for unaccom-panied
students who are experiencing homelessness. The Single Point
of Contact (SPOC) helps to create an awareness on campus of homeless
students, expedite the process of determining eligibility for independent
student status for the FAFSA, and supports school access and success by
facilitating campus discussions to develop a system of support for home-less
and unaccompanied youth, and linking youth with campus resources
and community assistance. The CVCC SPOC can be reached at 828-
327-7000 ext. 4408 or by mail at 2550 Hwy. 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602.
Student Resource Guide 2015/2016.
College policies and procedures are applicable to all students enrolled at
CVCC, whether full-time, part-time, auditing, special credit, non-credit,
or Career & College Promise. Information contained in this document is
subject to change without notice. CVCC is an equal opportunity/affirma-tive
action institution. These policies and procedures are outlined on our
web site at http://www.cvcc.edu/About_Us/Policies/ and http://www.cvcc.
edu/About_Us/Procedures/.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS. Students needing assistance with childcare
funding or other supportive services such as temporary funding of tuition,
books, supplies or transportation should contact the Director for Special
Programs in the Learning Assistance Center (LAC). Each year special grant
applications are made, and there may be funds for financial assistance.
Applications are available in the Learning Assistance Center (LAC) and
Student Services and are distributed to the “most in need” as long as funds
last. “Most in need” is determined by information submitted on the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 19
TESTING SERVICES. Students applying for degree, diploma, and
certificate programs may be required to complete certain placement tests.
CVCC utilizes the NCDAP to assess reading, writing, and numerical/
algebra skills. The OPAC software program is utilized to assess com-puter
literacy skills. Test results are used by academic advisors to place
students in appropriate courses and thereby maximize their opportunities
for success. Placement test scores are not used for determining admission
to the College, but may be required to satisfy certain program of study require-ments.
Students are provided appropriate information on placement testing
during the admissions process. NCDAP test scores are valid for five years. If
the test scores expire before required courses are taken, the student must retest.
Re-testing Procedure . CVCC uses the NCDAP placement
test battery and every student is provided the opportunity to complete
placement testing as one of the requirements to be admitted to CVCC.
There is no fee for this first-time placement testing. Placement test scores
using NCDAP are valid for 5 years. Generally, re-testing on NCDAP is
not considered to be productive. However, re-testing may occur if one of
the following conditions is met:
1. NCDAP scores are older than 5 years and have expired. There is no
fee to re-test if test scores have expired.
2. The original test score is believed to be invalid due to illness, inter-ruption,
or other problems during test administration as determined
by the Testing Center staff. Should any of these issues occur, the
student must alert the Testing Center staff about the issue upon
completion of the placement test and before exiting from the Testing
Center. Testing Center staff will discuss the issue with the student and
assist the student to schedule a re-test if appropriate. Testing Center
staff will determine whether the student must pay a re-testing fee.
3. The student completes an intervention/remediation to provide ap-propriate
skill development for the student. The student must discuss
this option with the appropriate Department Head (Mathematics or
English/Developmental Studies) and re-testing will be approved by
the Department Head if appropriate. The student will be charged a
$10.00 fee to re-test in Mathematics and a $10.00 fee to re-test in
Reading/English.
4. The Department Head for Mathematics or English/Developmental
Studies determines that the student may benefit from a re-test. The
Department Head will discuss options with the student to determine
the best course of action. The student will be charged a $10.00 fee to
re-test in Mathematics and a $10.00 fee to re-test in Reading/English.
5. Testing Center staff are not authorized to grant re-testing except in
the case of #2 listed above.
Students who are approved to re-test will receive a form from the ap-propriate
Department Head that indicates the specific NCDAP re-test. The
student will take this form to the Business Office and pay the required
fee(s). The Business Office will give the student a receipt. The student
will take both the Re-test Form and the receipt to the Testing Center to
schedule a re-test appointment.
VETERANS AFFAIRS. Special needs and information about policies
and procedures for veteran students and dependents using VA benefits are
provided by the Veteran Certifying Official in Student Services, and the
local county VA offices. Students desiring to use VA Educational benefits
should come to Student Services for CVCC program information and
admissions requirements. Students must be accepted in a VA approved
program of study and meet all institutional and VA requirements before
certification can be made to the Veterans Administration. The specific ap-plication
for benefits can be made on line at www.gibill.va.gov. Additional
information regarding benefits, eligibility, policies, and procedures may
be obtained from these offices.
VA students are responsible for the payment of all tuition, fees, and
books at registration. VA payments are made directly to the student after
classes have begun, and may take sixty days or more for initial enrollment.
V.A. benefits will reimburse only for courses required in one specific
program of study.
The Veteran Certifying Officials in Student Services are responsible
for (1) maintaining the appropriate records regarding veteran enrollment
and progress within an educational program, and (2) notifying the Vet-erans
Administration of any change affecting the recipients enrollment
status. Students receiving VA benefits must immediately notify the VA
representative in Student Services of any change in their status to include
dropping or adding classes, program changes, or new names and addresses.
CVCC Student Services representatives are not employees of the Veterans
Administration and are not responsible for VA policies, rules, or public
laws which determine eligibility or payments. This includes, but is not
limited to, the requirement that only required classes which specifically
meet a graduation requirement for the approved program can be certified
to the VA for the payment of benefits. Failure to comply with requests for
documentation from the VA Certifying official(s) at CVCC may result in
processing delays for benefits. Students using VA benefits must comply
with all college satisfactory academic process guidelines and remain in
good academic standing to continue receiving benefits. For additional
information see the VA web

CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 1
Catawba Valley Community College
2550 Hwy 70 SE • Hickory, North Carolina 28602
GENERAL CATALOG • Volume 44 • Number 1 • 2015-2016
Main Campus Telephone Number: 828-327-7000 • College Website: www.cvcc.edu
Catawba Valley Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Certificates,
Diplomas, and Associate Degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for
questions about the accreditation of Catawba Valley Community College.
The Emergency Medical Science Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, (www.caahep.org) upon
the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP)
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with the Accreditation Review Committee on
Education in Surgical Technology
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education: Health Information Technology
The Polysomnography Program is Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnography
The Respiratory Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas 76021-4244, 817-283-2835
Dental Hygiene is Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation for Dental Hygiene
The Automotive Systems Technology Program is accredited by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
upon the recommendation of the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF)
The Computer-Integrated Machining Program is a Member of the Haas Technical Education Center Network
The Cosmetology program is accredited by the NC State Board of Cosmetic Arts
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.: Associate Degree Nursing Program
[Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326, 404-975-5000, www.acenursing.org]
and Approved by North Carolina State Board of Nursing
The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL 60606-3182, 312-704-5300, e-mail: mail@jrcert.org
The Electroneurodianostic Program is Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Electroneurodiagnostic Technology
The Welding Technology Program is an Educational Institution Member designated by the American Welding Society
The Learning Assistance Center Peer Tutoring Program certified Level 1 and Level 2 Advanced Certified Tutor
by the College Reading and Learning Association International Tutor Program
The Fire Protection Technology program is recognized as a Fire and Emergency Services Higher Educaion (FESHE) Associate Degree program
by the National Fire Academy
Approved for Veteran Enrollment by North Carolina State Approving Agency for Veterans’ Education
Member of
North Carolina Community College System • American Association of Community Colleges
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools • Charlotte Area Educational Consortium • League for Innovation
North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry • Charlotte Regional Workforce Development Partnership
Catawba Valley Community College publishes this catalog for the purpose of providing students and other interested persons with information about the College
and its programs. The provisions of the catalog are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between students and Catawba Valley Community College. The
College reserves the right to change any provisions, policies, requirements, or schedules at any time or to add or withdraw course or program offerings. Every effort
will be made to minimize the inconvenience such changes might create for students. Revisions are available on the CVCC website at www.cvcc.edu.
Since opening its doors to students in 1960, Catawba Valley Community College has existed as an “open-door” institution to persons of both sexes and all racial
and ethnic groups. This admissions policy has been followed in all other spheres of student life ranging from activities to placement. Similarly, Catawba Valley
Community College has made all personnel decisions including hiring, compensation, benefits and promotion on a nondiscriminatory basis.
The Board of Trustees of Catawba Valley Community College does hereby reaffirm this past stance by making a formal commitment to provide equal op-portunity
for employees and students. Catawba Valley Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national orgin, sex/gender, religion,
creed, age, or disability in its programs and activities. We recognize this obligation to be a moral as well as legal responsibility because of its intrinsic worth in a
country in which all should have an equal chance to let their ability guide their life choices.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 2
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 3
Message From The President
We began serving the Catawba Valley in 1960
as the Catawba County Industrial Education Center.
Today, Catawba Valley Community College continues
to evolve with campus expansion and off-campus
centers such as the Alexander Center for Education,
Manufacturing Solutions Center, and the Corporate
Development Center.
The one core value on our campuses that remains
consistent in today’s global economy is our passion
and commitment to improve the lives of the people
we serve.
Our college graduates are prepared for the workforce, and our college transfer students are ready
for their next step to a four-year college or university. Students here are invited to join clubs, be
involved in student or sport activities, and while in the classroom learn critical thinking skills,
medical procedures, or study a foreign language.
CVCC graduates approximately 1100 students each year in curriculum degrees and general
education development diplomas. Our efforts to provide the best educational experience
for our students is evident in the college’s 95% student satisfaction rating.
Our students set the bar each year, winning regional and state competitions and participating
at national competitions while competing against large colleges and universities. Those who
transfer have very high success rates at four-year institutions and are valued by employers in
the unifour region, the state, and the country.
All of this is made possible by our employees through their ded ication to the classroom, and
our students. Each person here contributes to the success of CVCC!
It is an honor to serve as President of Catawba Valley Community College. We welcome you
to our college and the opportunity to assist you in achieving your goals and dreams the
“Valley Way.”
Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw, President
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Message From The President...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Institutional Calendars............................................................................................................................................................................ 6, 7
General Information/CVCC History........................................................................................................................................................ 9
CVCC Policies.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Transfer of Credits................................................................................................................................................................................. 9, 13
Accreditation.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Admissions.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
International Students............................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Medical Exams/Special Admissions Requirements................................................................................................................................ 13
Fees, Scholarships, And Financial Aid............................................................................................................................................... 14, 15
Expenses/Tuition/Fees............................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Federal Aid Programs............................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Work Study Programs (Federal).............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Veterans Affairs.............................................................................................................................................................................. 15, 19, 29
CVCC Foundation/Scholarships........................................................................................................................................................ 17, 21
Housing....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Student Life............................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Orientation................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Student Development................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Students With Disabilities......................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Testing.........................................................................................................................................................................................18, 19
Hours of Classes......................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Learning Assistance Center/Tutorial Services........................................................................................................................................ 19
Library........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Student Government/Student Activities.................................................................................................................................................. 20
Visitors on Campus.................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Student Conduct/Behavior........................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Sexual Assault Protocol/Sexual Harrassment......................................................................................................................................... 23
Inclement Weather Closings..................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Academic Standards/Registration............................................................................................................................................................ 26
Attendance.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
Distance Education.................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Grading System.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Withdrawals............................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Academic Sanctions And Due Process..................................................................................................................................................... 29
Requirements For Graduation/Residence Requirements...................................................................................................................... 30
High Honors, Honors, Awards.................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Student Records......................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Intellectual Property Rights............................................................................................................................................................31
Continuing Education/Innovation Centers...................................................................................................................................31
General Information and Admission...................................................................................................................................................................31
Health & Public Servic Innovation Center/ Business; Computer; Fire, Rescue & EMS; Healthcare Training; Law Enforcement;
Occupational Extension.......................................................................................................................................................................................32
Learning & Personal Enrichment Innovation Center/ Adult Secondary Credentials, ASC (such as GED); Adult Basic Education (ABE);
Basic Skills Education, Compensatory Education (CED); English as a Second Language (ESL); Personal Enrichment Programs.............. 32/33
Workforce Development Innovation Center/ Computrain; Customized Training; Human Resources Development;
Management and Supervisory Development; Manufacturing Solutions Center; Occupational Extension Courses;
Professional Development for Educators; Small Business Center; Technical; Vocational Upgrading................................................................33
Program Listings.............................................................................................................................................................................34
College Transfer......................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA)......................................................................................................................................... 35
•Associate in Arts Degree, Graduation Requirements, and Electives..................................................................................................... 36/37
•Associate in Science Degree, Graduation Requirements, and Electives................................................................................................ 38/39
•Associate in Engineering............................................................................................................................................................................ 40
•Associate in General & General Occupational Technology....................................................................................................................... 41
Career Programs........................................................................................................................................................................................ 42
Career Program Electives......................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Career and College Promise (High School Dual Enrollment)................................................................................................................. 104
Course Descriptions................................................................................................................................................................................. 111
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.)
Page
Accounting..........................................................................................................................................................................45
Advertising and Graphic Design........................................................................................................................................47
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology ................................................................................................48
Associate Degree Nursing..................................................................................................................................................49
Associate Degree Nursing (RIBN Program).......................................................................................................................50
Automotive Systems Technology.......................................................................................................................................51
Basic Law Enforcement Training.......................................................................................................................................52
Business Administration.....................................................................................................................................................53
Computer Engineering Technology....................................................................................................................................55
Computer Information Technology....................................................................................................................................56
Computer-Integrated Machining Technology.....................................................................................................................58
Computer Programming.....................................................................................................................................................60
Cosmetology.......................................................................................................................................................................61
Criminal Justice Technology..............................................................................................................................................62
Criminal Justice Technology–Latent Evidence...................................................................................................................64
Dental Hygiene...................................................................................................................................................................66
Early Childhood Education.................................................................................................................................................67
Infant/Toddler Care.............................................................................................................................................................68
Electrical Systems Technology...........................................................................................................................................69
Electroneurodiagnostic Technology...................................................................................................................................70
Electronics Engineering Technology .................................................................................................................................71
Emergency Medical Science ..............................................................................................................................................73
Health Science: Therapeutic and Diagnostic Services Emergency Medical Science..........................................................74
Entrepreneurship.................................................................................................................................................................75
Fire Protection Technology.................................................................................................................................................77
Health and Fitness Science.................................................................................................................................................78
Health Information Technology .........................................................................................................................................79
Healthcare Management Technology ................................................................................................................................81
Horticulture Technology ....................................................................................................................................................82
Industrial Systems Technology...........................................................................................................................................84
Information Systems Security.............................................................................................................................................86
Mechanical Engineering Technology.................................................................................................................................88
Mechatronics Engineering Technology..............................................................................................................................89
Medical Office Administration...........................................................................................................................................90
Networking Technology.....................................................................................................................................................91
Office Administration.........................................................................................................................................................93
Photographic Technology...................................................................................................................................................95
Polysomnography...............................................................................................................................................................96
Radiography........................................................................................................................................................................97
Respiratory Therapy...........................................................................................................................................................98
Surgical Technology...........................................................................................................................................................99
Turfgrass Management Technology...................................................................................................................................99
Web Technologies.............................................................................................................................................................101
Welding Technology.........................................................................................................................................................102
•Special Programs (Collaborative)................................................................................................................................103
Funeral Service Education Program, NC Funeral Director Program ...............................................................................103
Career and College Promise..........................................................................................................................................104
Course Descriptions (Alphabetical)................................................................................................................................ 111
Board of Trustees............................................................................................................................................................171
Faculty and Staff.............................................................................................................................................................171
Index (Please see the Index for a complete lisitng of Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates..................................181
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 6
2014-2015 Institutional Calendar
FALL SEMESTER 2014
Faculty/Staff Professional Development Activities (No Curriculum Classes)........................................................................................................................... August 13
Curriculum Instructional Work Day .................................................................................................................................................................................... August 14-15
* Fall Curriculum Semester Begins............................................................................................................................................................................................ August 18
Institutional Holiday ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. September 1
Break for Curriculum Students............................................................................................................................................................................................... September 1
Constitution Day Activities .................................................................................................................................................................................................. September 17
Fall Fling............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... September 17
Mid-Semester Break for Curriculum Students............................................................................................................................................................. October 20, 21, 22
Last Day to Withdraw from Curriculum Classes without Academic Penalty ...............................................................................................................50% Date of Class
Spring Semester Curriculum Registration Activities Begin...................................................................................................................................................... November
Break for Curriculum Students ............................................................................................................................................................................................ November 11
Institutional Holidays.............................................................................................................................................................................................................November 11
Break for Curriculum Students ...................................................................................................................................................................................... November 26-29
Institutional Holidays.......................................................................................................................................................................................................November 27, 28
Fall Curriculum Semester Ends......................................................................................................................................................................................... December 17**
Curriculum Snow Makeup Days (if needed)....................................................................................................................................................................December 18-23
Institutional Holidays....................................................................................................................................................................................................... December 24-31
* While many classes begin during the first week of the semester, there are also classes which begin later in the semester.
Also, some classes do end before the last week of the semester. Please refer to the fall semester curriculum class schedule for specific class start and end dates.
** Semester end date may be extended to Dec 18-23 if snow make up days are needed.
SPRING SEMESTER 2015
Institutional Holiday................................................................................................................................................................................................................ January 1-2
No Curriculum Classes.............................................................................................................................................................................................................January 5-7
Curriculum Instructional Work Day........................................................................................................................................................................................... January 5
Faculty/Staff Professional Development Activities (No Curriculum Classes)............................................................................................................................ January 5
* Spring Curriculum Semester Begins ...................................................................................................................................................................................... January 8
Institutional Holiday ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ January 19
Curriculum Flip Day (curriculum classes follow a Monday schedule)..................................................................................................................................... January 22
Break for Curriculum Students.................................................................................................................................................................................................March 9-13
Institutional Holiday ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... April 3
Curriculum Snow Makeup Days (if needed)..........................................................................................................................................................................March 11-13
Last Day to Withdraw from Curriculum Classes without Academic Penalty ...............................................................................................................50% Date of Class
Summer Semester Curriculum Registration Activities....................................................................................................................................................................... April
Spring Fling..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... April 8
Awards Day ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... April 16
* Spring Curriculum Semester Ends................................................................................................................................................................................................. May 8
Commencement.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................May 8-9
* While many classes begin during the first week of the semester, there are also classes which begin later in the semester.
Also, some classes do end before the last week of the semester. Please refer to the spring semester curriculum class schedule for specific class start and end dates.
SUMMER SEMESTER 2015
* Summer Curriculum Semester Begins ....................................................................................................................................................................................... May 18
Institutional Holiday ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... May 25
Last Day to Withdraw from Curriculum Classes without Academic Penalty ...............................................................................................................50% Date of Class
Adult Secondary Credentials Recognition Ceremony.................................................................................................................................................................... June 4
Break for Curriculum Students .....................................................................................................................................................................................................July 2-4
Institutional Holiday .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................July 2
Fall Semester Curriculum Registration Activities Begin.....................................................................................................................................................................July
Curriculum Flip Day (curriculum classes follow a Thursday schedule).........................................................................................................................................July 21
* Summer Curriculum Semester Ends ...........................................................................................................................................................................................July 28
* While many classes begin during the first week of the semester, there are also classes which begin later in the semester.
Also, some classes do end before the last week of the semester.
Please refer to the summer semester curriculum class schedule for specific class start and end dates.
Note: Please check the CVCC website (www.cvcc.edu) for calendar and registration updates.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 7
2015-2016 Institutional Calendar
FALL SEMESTER 2015
Faculty/Staff Professional Development Activities (No Curriculum Classes) ............................................................................................................. August 12
Curriculum Instructional Work Days....................................................................................................................................................................... August 13-14
*Fall Curriculum Semester Begins............................................................................................................................................................................... August 17
Institutional Holiday ................................................................................................................................................................................................. September 7
Fall Fling/Student Appreciation Day ......................................................................................................................................................................September 16
Constitution Day Activities......................................................................................................................................................................................September 17
Mid-Semester Break for Curriculum Students....................................................................................................................................................... October 12-14
Last Day to Withdraw from Curriculum Classes without Academic Penalty .................................................................................................. 50% Date of Class
Break for Curriculum Students (No Curriculum Classes)....................................................................................................................................... November 11
Institutional Holiday................................................................................................................................................................................................. November 11
Break for Curriculum Students ......................................................................................................................................................................... November 25-28
Institutional Holidays..........................................................................................................................................................................................November 26-27
Spring Registration.......................................................................................................................................................................................November/December
*Fall Curriculum Semester Ends..............................................................................................................................................................................December 16
*Snow Make Up Days (If Necessary Due to Inclement Weather).................................................................................................................December 17, 18, 19
Institutional Holidays......................................................................................................................................................................................... December 24-31
* While many classes begin during the first week of the semester, there are also classes which begin later in the semester. Also, some classes do end
before the last week of the semester. Please refer to the fall semester curriculum class schedule for specific class start and end dates.
SPRING SEMESTER 2016
Institutional Holiday........................................................................................................................................................................................................January 1
CVCC Open................................................................................................................................................................................................................... January 4
Faculty/Staff Professional Development Activities (No Curriculum Classes)................................................................................................................January 6
Curriculum Instructional Work Days.......................................................................................................................................................................... January 7-8
*Spring Curriculum Semester Begins.......................................................................................................................................................................... January 11
Institutional Holiday .................................................................................................................................................................................................... January 18
Last Day to Withdraw from Curriculum Classes without Academic Penalty .................................................................................................. 50% Date of Class
Institutional Holiday........................................................................................................................................................................................................March 25
Mid-Semester Break for Curriculum Students .............................................................................................................................................March 26, 28, 29, 30
* Snow Makeup Days (If Necessary Due to Inclement Weather).............................................................................................................................March 29, 30
Summer Registration Activities.............................................................................................................................................................................................April
Spring Fling/Student Appreciation Day..............................................................................................................................................................................April 6
Awards Day ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................April 28
*Spring Curriculum Semester Ends.....................................................................................................................................................................................May 7
Commencement Activities...............................................................................................................................................................................................May 6, 7
* While many classes begin during the first week of the semester, there are also classes which begin later in the semester. Also, some classes do end
before the last week of the semester. Please refer to the spring semester curriculum class schedule for specific class start and end dates.
SUMMER SEMESTER 2016
*Summer Curriculum Semester Begins................................................................................................................................................................................ May 23
Institutional Holiday ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. May 30
Last Day to Withdraw from Curriculum Classes without Academic Penalty ......................................................................................................50% Date of Class
Adult Secondary Credentials Recognition Ceremony............................................................................................................................................................ June 2
Break for Curriculum Students ...............................................................................................................................................................................................July 4
Institutional Holiday ................................................................................................................................................................................................................July 4
Fall Registration Activities ............................................................................................................................................................................................ July/August
*Summer Curriculum Semester Ends................................................................................................................................................................................. August 2
*While many classes begin during the first week of the semester, there are also classes which begin later in the semester.
Also, some classes do end before the last week of the semester.
Please refer to the summer semester curriculum class schedule for specific class start and end dates
Note: Please check the CVCC website (www.cvcc.edu) for calendar and registration updates.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 8
General Information
CVCC Alexander Center for Education
CVCC Main Campus
CVCC Newton Center
CVCC East Campus
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 9
General Information
Mision Statement
Catawba Valley Community College is an innovative, comprehensive
community college that fosters and promotes a multitude of learning
experiences, enabling and empowering its students, faculty, staff, and
stakeholders to identify and to serve higher purposes in their lives and
in their communities.
Vision Statement
The vision of Catawba Valley Community College is to be validated
and recognized in the achievement of its mission as the statewide,
regional, and national standard of excellence for programs, services,
and facilities.
Histor y
Through the concerted efforts of concerned and united Catawba
County citizens and North Carolina educational leaders, on April 3,
1958, Catawba Valley Community College was established by the
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as the ninth school
of its kind in the state.
Construction of the original facilities began in 1959. The 40,000
square foot building costing approximately $500,000 was completed
in August 1960. An initial enrollment of seventy-seven (77) students
began classes in September of the same year. From 1960 to 1963, the
College operated under the jurisdiction of the Catawba County Board
of Education. During this time the College was known as the Catawba
County Industrial Education Center.
In July 1963, the General Assembly of North Carolina enacted into
law G.S. 115A which provided for the establishment of the present
North Carolina System of Community Colleges. On January 9, 1964,
Catawba Valley Technical Institute was among the original seven in-stitutes
chartered by the Department. At that time, CVTI established
its own Board of Trustees and began operation as a member of the
Department of Community Colleges. Thus, it was in August 1964,
that the College awarded its first Associate Degree in Applied Science.
It was during the transition from an Industrial Education Center to
Technical Institute that great strides began in expanding educational
programs, increasing student enrollment, developing quality instruction,
adding facilities, and increasing community acceptance and service.
On September 1, 1979, the name of the institution was changed to
Catawba Valley Technical College by the Trustees and commissioners
of Catawba County. On December 1, 1987, the State Board of Com-munity
Colleges officially approved CVTC to become Catawba Valley
Community College and the College Transfer program was approved.
The College continues as a publicly supported coeducational institution.
Location
Catawba Valley Community College is located in Hickory on High-ways
70 and 321-B, in Catawba County, North Carolina. Situated in
the heart of the Piedmont some 1,175 feet above sea level, CVCC is
easily accessible over Interstate 40, Highways 321, 70, 16 and 127. It
is within seven miles of a commercial airport and approximately 50
miles from metropolitan Charlotte.
The campus covers approximately 162 acres and includes 17 buildings
for an approximate total of 600,000 square feet of floor space. In ad-dition,
there is the CVCC East Campus, the Corporate Development
Center, the Manufacturing Solutions Center, and the Cosmetology
Center at the CVCC Newton Center in downtown Newton. The Alex-ander
Center for Education, a 15,000 square foot building situated on
4.72 acres at 345 Industrial Boulevard in Taylorsville, was purchased
by Alexander County in 2000 as an off-site center, which opened for
classes March 28, 2003. The facilities consist of modern brick build-ings.
Included is a 30,000 volume library for the use of both students
and public, a student center and food service area for leisure relaxation
and entertainment, and numerous classrooms and laboratories.
CVCC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CVCC policies and procedures regarding students are available for reference
on the CVCC website (www.cvcc.edu) under the About Us Link. Follow-ing
are the direct links, CVCC Policies - http://www.cvcc.edu/About_Us/
Policies/ and CVCC Procedures - http://www.cvcc.edu/About_Us/Proce-dures/.
These web pages include, but are not limited to, information regarding
admissions, course grading, student conduct, student due process, privacy of
students, visitors on campus, sexual offense/assault protocol, campus safety
and security, and reporting a crime. Printed copies of a policy/policies, or
procedure/procedures are available upon request to Student Services.
Tr an sfer Of CVCC Cr e dits To Ot he r
Coleges
Technical, vocational, and certificate programs of study at Catawba Valley
Community College have been established primarily to prepare individuals
for employment upon completion of studies. The College Transfer program
has been developed at CVCC to provide opportunities for students to transfer
two years of academic credit to senior colleges and universities. Numerous
differences exist in the transfer policies of senior institutions. Therefore,
details regarding a specific institution should be obtained from the senior
institution to which transfer is being considered.
Educational Consortium
Catawba Valley Community College is a member of the Charlotte Area
Educational Consortium (CAEC). This organization is composed of 24 col-leges
and universities working toward attaining the highest level of collegiate
and university education for the Charlotte Metrolina region. Consortium
members encourage the sharing of resources and energies among institutions
and seek to generate creative ideas for the most effective use of human and
other resources available among institutions.
Foremost among the goals of the Consortium is to afford students access
to broader educational experiences, both curricular and extra-curricular.
Full-time students at regular member colleges and universities are eligible
to participate in the inter-institutional student exchange program of the
Consortium. This enables them under certain circumstances to enroll in
some courses at other CAEC schools without paying additional fees. For
additional information on the CAEC and member institutions, please contact
the Director of Student Records.
Air Force ROTC Program
To prepare themselves to serve as commissioned officers in the Air Force,
students in college transfer programs to pursue a bachelor’s degree may
participate in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) offered
by the UNC-Charlotte Department of Aerospace Studies. Information is
available in Student Services or on the UNCC webpage at the following
address: www.coas.uncc.edu/afrotc/.
Appalachian Center AT Hic kor y
The Appalachian State University Center in Hickory is an educational
consortium of colleges and universities that offer community college stu-dents
and other adults opportunities to finish their bachelors degrees from
one of the participating colleges and universities. Graduate degrees are
also available. A wide variety of degree programs are offered with flexible
part-time and full-time schedules and face-to-face and on-line formats to
meet the needs of adult learners with busy schedules, families, and work
commitments. For more information on degree programs available through
the Appalachian State University Center in Hickory, call 828-324-6966.
Chalenger Earl y Colege High Schol
Challenger Early College High School is a Cooperative Innovative High
School approved under Part 9 of Article 16 of Chapter 115C of the General
Statutes, and is an application-based, selected enrollment high school and
joint oversight project of the Catawba Valley Education Consortium. It is
not a traditional, comprehensive high school. Enrollment is limited to no
more than 400 students who must enter as high school freshmen only. Note:
there are minors enrolled at CECH on CVCC’s campus. Challenger students
graduate with a university prep curriculum high school diploma and college
credit up to an Associates degree from CVCC. Supported by the NC Dept
of Public Instruction, NC Community College System, and NC New Schools
Project, the early college is a national school reform model designed through
research from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Stanford University,
Harvard University, and Jobs for the Future.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 10
Accreditation
Catawba Valley Community College is accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award
certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. Contact the Commission
on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or
call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Catawba
Valley Community College.
Most curriculum programs offered have been approved by the North
Carolina State Approving Agency for Veteran’s Education; however,
students should contact the VA certifying official in Student Services
for verification.
• The College is also a member of the American Association of Com-munity
Colleges.
• The Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the North
Carolina State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation
Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3343 Peachtree Road NE,
Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326, 404-975-5000.
• The program in Dental Hygiene is accredited by the Commission on
Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of
“approval without reporting requirements.” The Commission is a spe-cialized
accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of
Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted
at 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
• The Emergency Medical Science program is Accredited by the Com-mission
on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, (www.
caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accredi-tation
of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services
Professions (CoAEMSP) Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
Education Programs, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL, 33756, 727-210-
2350, www.caahep.org.
• The Health Information Technology program is accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information
Management Education.
• The Polysomnography program is accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration with
the Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnography.
• The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review
Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 20 North
Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL 60606-3182, 312-704-5300,
e-mail: mail@jrcert.org.
• The Respiratory Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission
on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). Commission
on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford,
Texas 76021-4244, 817-283-2835.
• The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission
on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in collaboration
with the Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical
Technology and the commission’s Council on Accreditation and Unit
Recognition.
• The Cosmetology program is accredited by the NC State Board of
Cosmetic Arts.
• The Automotive Systems Technology program is accredited by the
National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
• The Learning Assistance Center Peer Tutoring Program is Level 1 and
Level 2 Tutor Certified by the College Reading and Learning Association
International Tutor Program.
• The Electroneurodiagnostic Technology Program is accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in
collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Electroneuro-diagnostic
Technology
• The Welding Technology Program is an Educational Institution Mem-ber
designated by the American Welding Society
• The Fire Protection Technology program is recognized as a Fire and
Emergency Services Higher Educaion (FESHE) Associate Degree
program by the National Fire Academy
• CVCC is also a member of North Carolina Community College
System; American Association of Community Colleges; Charlotte
Area Educational Consortium; League for Innovation; North Carolina
Citizens for Business and Industry; Charlotte Regional Workforce
Development Partnership.
Critical Suces Factors
In 1993, the State Board of Community Colleges began monitoring
performance data on specific measures to ensure public accountability
for programs and services. In 1998, the General Assembly directed the
State Board to review past performance measures and define standards
to ensure programs and services offered by community colleges in
North Carolina were of sufficient quality. (North Carolina Community
College System, 2012 Critical Success Factors Report, July 2012).
Through the 2012 reporting year, the annual NCCCS Critical Suc-cess
Factors Report was the means by which the community college
system reported on performance measures referred to as Critical
Success Factors. In February 1999, the North Carolina State Board
of Community Colleges originally adopted twelve (12) performance
measures to ensure that programs and services offered by community
colleges were of sufficient quality. During the 2010-2011 reporting
year, the number of measures was dropped to seven (7). These perfor-mance
standards focused primarily on student success and served as
the System’s major public accountability tool.
Beginning in 2013, the North Carolina Community College system
adopted the Performance Measures for Student Success. The measures
include basic skills progress, GED pass rates, developmental English
students’ performance in subsequent curricular courses, developmen-tal
mathematics students’ performance in subsequent curricular cours-es,
one-year progress, curricular completion rates, licensure pass rates,
and transfer student performance. Performance funding is based on
these measures.
Notice of Non -discrimination
Catawba Valley Community College does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex/gender, religion, creed, age,
or disability in its programs and activities. The following persons
have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimi-nation
policies.
Dean of the School of Student Access, Development, and Success
2550 Highway 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602-8302
Telephone – 828-327-7000
Director of Human Resources
2550 Highway 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602-8302
Telephone – 828-327-7000
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 11
Catawba Valley Community College • Performance Measures For Student Success
(North Carolina Community College System)
Goal = 51.2%
Baseline = 20.6%
Goal = 82%
Baseline = 49.3%
Goal = 74.9%
Base = 45.2%
Goal = 75.4%
Baseline = 47.5%
Goal = 74.6%
Baseline = 53.2%
Goal = 45.6%
Baseline = 28.6%
Goal = 91.7%
Baseline = 71.0%
Goal = 93.8%
Baseline = 71.2%
2014 NCCCS
Goal and Baseline
2014 NCCCS
Performance Measure
for Student Success
2014
CVCC
Measure
Basic Skills Progress
GED Pass Rate
Developmental English
Subsequent Success
Developmental
Mathematics
Subsequent Success
Year One Progress
Curriculum
Completion Rate
Licensure
Pass Rate
Transfer
Performance
For further explanation and information, please visit the
NCCCS Performance Measures for Student Success: North Carolina Community College College Creating Success
webpage at http://www.ncommunitycolleges.edu/sites/default/files/basicpage/
2014_performance_report_5-12-14.pdf.
2014 System
Institutional
Average
41.3%
73.6%
64.4%
64.4%
68.3%
43.6%
83.3%
87.8%
38.4%
74.7%
75.5%
62.0%
69.2%
38.4%
79.7%
89.6%
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 12
Admisions
General ADMISSION TO CVCC
CVCC follows “open door” admissions policies as established by the
North Carolina Community College System. Admission is open to per-sons
who are legal residents of the United States and who are either high
school graduates; High School Equivalency graduates such as GED; or
Adult High School Diploma Program graduates; or who are at least 18
years of age. Minors are admitted under provisions and rules established
by the State Board of Community Colleges.
A person is classified as a student when admission requirements are
met and registration for classes has occurred that cause
(1) tuition and fees to be paid (or encumbered by waiver, financial aid,
third party payment, etc.) and
(2) the person enters and attends the class(es).
A person continues to be a student by attending class and making
progress toward completion of the course objectives.
A person is no longer a student in a particular class when s/he has
exceeded the number of absences allowed in the class or is graded with a
WP or a WF. If this occurs in all classes during a particular semester, the
person is no longer a student for that semester at the point in time when
the last transaction has occurred.
A person is a visitor when not a student. Students are entitled to due
process. Visitors are not afforded due process.
Transfer Students
Transfer students may be admitted provided they meet all admission re-quirements.
Catawba Valley Community College will accept credits from
college/universities accredited by any one of the following eight regional ac-crediting
bodies authorized by the United States Department of Education:
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• WASC Senior College and University Commission
Courses with grades of “C-” or better will be accepted provided such
courses parallel the content of CVCC courses and are relevant to the student’s
program of study. Transfer students are notified about transfer credit to CVCC
from other institutions via student e-mail. Transfer credit is awarded only
for those courses that apply to the student’s program of study.
Grades for transferred courses are not included in a student’s GPA at
CVCC, although the credit hours are applied toward graduation. See also
Residency Requirements for graduation.
International Students
CVCC is authorized by the U.S. Department of Naturalization and
Immigration to admit international students with a valid F-1 Visa or valid
Permanent Resident Card. Work authorization cards are not permanent
resident cards. The following items are required for admission and must
be submitted as a complete package by the published deadline on the
CVCC website (www.cvcc.edu):
1. a completed Application for Admission, 2. all financial statements as
outlined on the CVCC website, 3. official transcripts from high school and
secondary schools translated and evaluated by any agency associated with
NACES, 4. a photograph, 5. verification of home country address, 6. an
official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test score less than
five (5) years old, and 7. a VISA clearance form if student is transferring
from another United States institution of higher learning. Upon receipt of
and verification of ALL application materials, a Certificate of Eligibility
(I-20) may be prepared and issued to the student. International students
may need to take placement tests administered at the CVCC Testing Cen-ter
and are charged the applicable out of state tuition rates. Students are
required to obey federal, state, and local laws. Commission or conviction
of certain crimes may impact the student’s ability to maintain F-1 status.
High Schol students
CAREER AND COLLEGE PROMISE
Session Law 2011-145, the Appropriations Act of 2011, authorized the
State Board of Education and the State Board of Community Colleges to
establish the Career and College Promise program, effective January 1, 2012.
Career and College Promise provides seamless dual enrollment educational
opportunities for eligible North Carolina high school students in order to
accelerate completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees
that lead to college transfer or provide entry-level job skills. North Carolina
community colleges may offer the following Career and College Promise
pathways aligned with the K-12 curriculum and career and college ready
standards adopted by the State Board of Education:
1. A College Transfer Pathway (CTP) leading to a minimum of 30 hours
of college transfer credit;
2. A Career and Technical Education Pathway (CTE) leading to a certificate,
diploma or degree;
3. A Cooperative Innovative High School Pathway approved under Part 9
of Article 16 of Chapter 115C of the General Statues.
Chalenger Earl y Colege High Schol
Challenger Early College High School is a Cooperative Innovative High
School approved under Part 9 of Article 16 of Chapter 115C of the General
Statutes, and is an application-based, selected enrollment high school and
joint oversight project of the Catawba Valley Education Consortium. It
is not a traditional, comprehensive high school. Enrollment is limited to
no more than 400 students who must enter as high school freshmen only.
Note: there are minors enrolled at CECH on CVCC’s campus. Challenger
students graduate with a university prep curriculum high school diploma
and college credit up to an Associates degree from CVCC. Supported by
the NC Dept of Public Instruction, NC Community College System, and NC
New Schools Project, the early college is a national school reform model
designed through research from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,
Stanford University, Harvard University, and Jobs for the Future.
Undocumented imigrants
CVCC may admit undocumented immigrant applicants consistent with
provisions of federal and state laws and regulations in the State Board
of Community Colleges code 1DSBCCC400.2 (b). Under current state
code, undocumented immigrant applicants do not qualify for federal or
state financial aid or for in-state residency for tuition. Undocumented
immigrants shall be charged at the out-of-state rate for curriculum
programs. Students lawfully present in the United States shall have priority
over any undocumented immigrant in any class or program of study when
capacity limitations exist.
Safet y Exception
CVCC may refuse admission to any applicant in accordance with the
following conditions as specified in State Board of Community Colleges
Code 1DSBCCC400.2 (e) and (f) entitled “Admission to Colleges,” 23
NCAC 02C.0301 A. CVCC may refuse admission to an applicant when
there is an articulable, imminent, and significant safety threat to the ap-plicant
or other individuals.
Admision to Curiculum programs
Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the curriculum
or program desired by the applicant. A student must satisfy the admissions
requirements for his/her program of study. Applicants will be admitted to
programs as admissions requirements are completed except for programs
with limited enrollment (discussed further below). Applicants may be
admitted to certain programs on a provisional basis until all admissions
requirements are completed.
Documentation/program requirements for specific healthcare programs
in the School of Health and Public Services are published on the CVCC
website. Due to the nature of healthcare accrediations, this information is
subject to change without notice.
Enrollment to certain programs is limited, and admission to these
programs is highly competitive. The most highly qualified applicants
are selected each year based upon completion of minimum admission
requirements. Applicants to healthcare programs must complete program
requirements as established by the program director to be considered
for selection. These admissions requirements may include, but are not
necessarily limited to, attendance at specialized Information Sessions,
completion of standardized aptitude tests, submission of letters of recom-mendations,
vaccinations, and/or health examination.
Graduation from a public high school, private high school - including
home schools, High School Equivalency graduates such as GED,
Adult High School Diploma graduates, or a correspondence school is re-quired
for admission to all associate degree programs and certain diploma
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 13
and certificate programs. If graduation from high school or equivalent is
a requirement for the intended program, applicants must provide official
transcripts (from high school, state GED Office/GED Administrator, or
Adult High School) evidencing graduation. The high school transcript
requirement is waived for associate degree program applicants who have
graduated from a regionally accredited two-year or four-year college, ex-cept
for applicants to certain programs in the School of Health and Public
Services, students receiving VA education benefits, and students who are
applying for federal/state financial aid.
Applicants to curriculum programs of study must provide official transcripts
from all regionally accredited colleges/universities previously attended. To
fulfill the college’s general admission requirements, students who have
attended foreign schools at the secondary level (high school) and/or post-secondary
level (college/university) must submit transcripts according to
the following two steps:
Step 1: The foreign transcript must be written in or translated into the
English language. Translated transcripts must be literal (word for word)
and the translator must sign the translated copy and include contact in-formation.
The name the student is currently using and the date of birth
should appear on the transcript.
Step 2: If the translator in Step 1 is not a current member of the Na-tional
Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) (www.
naces.org) that also provides evaluation services, then the translated tran-script
must be evaluated by a member of NACES. Foreign secondary
level transcripts must indicate US high school equivalency. Foreign post-secondary
transcripts must indicate potential transfer credit.
Please note that the student will likely incur a fee for translation and/or
evaluation services with NACES members. The amount of time it takes
to translate and/or evaluate transcripts varies by NACES member.
Note: The evaluating agency for post-secondary transcripts (college/
university) or translator for secondary transcripts (high school) must send
the evaluation report directly to Catawba Valley Community College’s
Student Records Office. Student copies of evaluations will not be accepted.
No veteran may be certified for Veterans Educational Assistance Ben-efits
(G.I. Bill) until all admissions requirements have been met and an
unconditional acceptance has been granted.
ADmision Procedures
The application and enrollment process at CVCC may take 1-3 weeks,
depending on the applicant’s program of study. Many programs require that
you be a high school graduate, have a High School Equivalency such as
GED, or an Adult High School Diploma before you enroll. Some programs
of study are LIMITED ENROLLMENT; some have additional admissions
requirements that must be completed earlier in the academic year(s).
Following are the general procedures to apply for admission to a cur-riculum
program of study:
1. Individuals who have never attended college or former CVCC students
who have not been enrolled for one year should attend a “Starting Points”
Information Session. This 45 minute session is an opportunity to aid future
students in understanding the admission, placement test and financial aid
processes. Sessions are offered on various days at various times; schedules
are posted on the CVCC homepage.
2. Determine a Program of Study. Contact the Career Center for guid-ance,
at 828-327-7000, ext. 4690.
3. Send official high school, Adult High School, or High School
Equivalency (such as GED) transcripts to CVCC. In addition, send of-ficial
college transcripts from every institution applicant has attended,
SAT scores, ACT scores or placement test scores from another institution.
Contact the College Registrar or College Records of all previous schools/
colleges to request official transcripts. There may be fees for transcripts.
Send all official documents to CVCC Student Records, 2550 Highway 70
SE, Hickory, NC 28602. Applicants for health care programs of study must
secure all official transcripts and bring them to the college when activating an
application. High school and college transcripts must be presented along with the
application already on file in the Student Records Office before an application
can be processed.
4. Complete the paper Application to the College using blue or black
ink or apply online. ALL applicants must bring a photo ID and meet
with admissions staff to activate the application.
5. Prepare for and take any necessary placement tests as determined by
Admissions Staff. There is no fee for placement testing, but it is offered
by appointment only. Admissions Staff will assist applicants with an ap-pointment
day and time. (A valid photo ID is required)
6. Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete the online version of the FAFSA at www.
fafsa.ed.gov; there are semester deadlines for filing the FAFSA. The FAFSA
code for CVCC is 005318. Students cannot become eligible for Financial
Aid until they successfully complete the FAFSA online. Financial Aid is
not final until a student has received an award letter via their CVCC
e-mail from the CVCC Financial Aid Office. If a student is going to use
Veteran’s Administration benefits, visit their website at http://www.gibill.
va.gov/GI_BILL_Info/education_forms.htm. If a student is using TAA or
WIA benefits, complete the FAFSA. Not all educational programs at CVCC
are eligible for TAA/WIA benefit coverage.
Special Admisions Requirements For
Health Programs
In addition to the general procedures to apply for admission to a cur-riculum
program of study, applicants for the health programs must complete
other procedures.
Applicants for health care programs of study must secure all official
transcripts and bring them to the college when activating an application.
High school and college transcripts must be presented along with the
application or already on file in the Student Records Office before an ap-plication
can be processed.
All applicants for health programs must attain the established minimum
placement test scores determined by their department of interest. All place-ment
test scores, depending upon the testing agency, must be less than
three, or five years old. See Testing Services on page 18.
Certain health programs require completion of educational experiences
in clinical/lab facilities. These clinical/lab facilities may require students
to undergo criminal background checks and/or drug testing. If a
student is excluded from clinical/lab facilities as a result of a background
check and/or drug testing, the student may be asked to withdraw from the
program. Some facilities may also require additional vaccinations and/or
health examinations.
Admission into any health program will be contingent upon receipt of a
CVCC medical form documenting that the applicant possesses satisfactory
physical and mental health. Facilities for providing health care services
are not available on campus. In accordance with the State Board of Com-munity
Colleges code 1DSBCCC400.2 (b), students lawfully present in
the United States shall have priority over any undocumented immigrant in
any class or program of study when capacity limitations exist. Addition-ally,
community colleges shall take into account that federal law prohibits
states from granting professional licenses to undocumented immigrants
Effective for fall 2015, students may apply to no more than ONE health
care program within the School of Health and Public Services.
Special Ad mission s Requ ireme nts For Earl y
Childhod education Programs
In addition to the general procedures to apply for admission to a cur-riculum
program of study, applicants for the Early Childhood Education
program must complete other procedures.
CVCC’s Early Childhood Education program requires completion of
educational experiences in childcare facilities and/or public school set-tings.
These settings require students to undergo criminal background
checks. If a student is excluded from an educational setting as a result
of a background check, the student may be asked to withdraw from the
program. Some settings may also require additional vaccinations and/or
health examinations.
Admission into CVCC’s Early Childhood Education program may be
contingent upon receipt of a CVCC medical form documenting that the
applicant possesses satisfactory physical and mental health. Facilities for
providing health care services are not available on campus.
Special Credit Students
Individuals may enroll in classes without pursuing a certificate, diploma,
or degree. Persons enrolling under these circumstances are considered
SPECIAL CREDIT STUDENTS. Placement tests may be required de-pending
upon the student’s educational background and the prerequisites/
corequisites of the courses in which the student wishes to register. Special
Credit Students are not eligible to receive federal/state financial aid and
must meet all course prerequisites.
A military veteran can not receive Veterans Educational Assistance
Benefits (G.I. Bill) as a special credit student.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 14
Fes , Financial Aid ,
AND Scholarships
CVCC charges tuition in accordance with policies established by the North
Carolina Community College System. Tuition rates are subject to change.
Certain fees have been established in accordance with guidelines and ranges
established by the North Carolina Community College System. Fees are
subject to change. Due dates for tuition and fees are established by the Chief
Financial Officer or designee. Students will forfeit their seat in a class if they
fail to pay the applicable tuition/fees by the established due date.
Tuition (Subject to change depending on action of General Assembly.)
Tuition Per Semester:
North Carolina Residents
16 hrs. or more............................................................$1,152.00
15 hrs. or less (per semester hr.)......................................$72.00
Out-of-State Residents
16 hrs. or more............................................................$4,224.00
15 hrs. or less (per semester hr.)....................................$264.00
Determinations of North Carolina Residency for tuition purposes
are made by the Director of Admissions or designee in accordance with
laws and regulations established by the North Carolina General Assembly.
North Carolina residency is not a factor in the tuition charged for non-credit
courses. A student initially classified as an out-of-state resident for tuition
purposes may request a change of residency classification upon meeting the
“resident for tuition purposes” requirements. Detailed information regarding
residency requirements and procedures for requesting a change in residency
classification is available in Student Services.
It is the student’s responsibility, whether classified as a resident or
non-resident, to report any information to Student Services which may
indicate a need for reclassification.
Tuition for students enrolling in Occupational Extension courses vary
per course. However, fees may be established for self-supporting seminars
and courses according to the schedule below in which more than normal
expenses to the College are incurred. Such charges may cover the cost of
instructional materials and/or textbooks required in such classes.
Continuing Education Occupational Extension (per course)
0-24 hours...............................................................................$70.00
25-50 hours...........................................................................$125.00
50+ hours..............................................................................$180.00
Students who take an Occupational Extension course more than twice
within a five-year period; unless required for certification, recertification,
or licensure; are required to pay a different formula rate per contact hour.
FEES AND INSURANCE
Student Activity Fee
7 or more credit hours .................................................................$32.00
Less than 7 credit hours (per semester hour).................................$5.00
Student Accident Insurance (per semester)....................................$1.25
Computer Use and Technology Fee
(Curriculum Students per semester)............................................$16.00
Computer Use and Technology Fee
(Continuing Education Students per designated
technology-related course)........................................................$5.00
Diploma Fee ................................................................................$25.00
Certificate Fee..............................................................................$10.00
Liability/Malpractice
(ADN, Surgical Technology, Respiratory Therapy, EMS,
Dental Hygiene, Polysomnography, and
Electroneurodiagnostic Students)................................................$27.50
Liability/Malpractice (CNA and Phlebotomy Students)..............$14.50
Service Charge for Returned Checks...........................................$25.00
Lab Fees..........................................................................................TBA
Replacement Fee for Library/Data Card......................................$10.00
Transcript Fee................................................................................$5.00
• To view a copy of CVCC’s Student Accident Insurance Brochure visit
(http://www.cvcc.edu/Student_Services/Business_Office/Tuition_Fees.cfm)
Accident insurance must be purchased by students registering for cur-riculum
classes. The premium must be paid at the time of registration at
the beginning of each semester.
Students enrolled in certain health programs/courses are required to
purchase liability/malpractice insurance. The premium for this insurance
is paid once annually through the business office.
Certain fees have been approved for testing services. These include
fees for Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) certification testing,
test proctoring for non-CVCC students, or other special circumstances.
FEE WAIVERS. In compliance with North Carolina Statutes and
regulations of the North Carolina Community College System, tuition and
fees may be waived under the following circumstances: (1) no extension
registration fee shall be charged of individuals enrolling in special exten-sion
training programs for emergency telecommunication personnel, fire
department personnel, volunteer rescue and life saving personnel, local
law enforcement officers, or members of auxiliaries of such groups, pro-viding
the individual is a member of the group for which training is being
provided; and (2) no extension registration fee will be charged to patients
of state alcoholic rehabilitation centers.
High School students taking college credit classes through the Career
and College Promise program are exempt from applicable tuition for fall
and spring semesters. Applicable fees will be charged.
OTHER EXPENSES. The cost of books, supplies, and equipment
varies from one program of study to another.
COLLECTION NOTICE. The College reserves the right to use all
means necessary to collect any outstanding balances. This may include
but is not limited to the use of NC Set-off Debt.
OTHER ACTIONS REGARDING PAST DUE ACCOUNTS. All
previously incurred expenses and accounts, including library and payments
made to Nelnet (a third party company) for tuition, generally must be fully
paid before a student may re-enter at the beginning of any semester and
before transcript, diploma, or certificate will be furnished.
REFUNDS
CURRICULUM CLASSES. The College follows the refund policies
established by the North Carolina Community College System. A copy
of the current refund policies may be obtained from the Business Office.
Specific guidelines and processes to ensure compliance with these poli-cies
shall be established by the Chief Financial Officer or designee. The
following are specific guidelines which have been established in accor-dance
with these policies. Refunds for less than $5.00 will not be made.
A full (100 %) tuition refund shall be made if the student officially
withdraws prior to the start date of the class. Example – If the start date
of the class as indicated on the student’s schedule is September 1, the
student must withdraw from that class on or before August 31 to receive
a full (100%) tuition refund.
A 75% tuition refund shall be made if the student withdraws on or before the
census date of the class. The census date for a class is the 10% point of the class.
No tuition refund shall be made if the student withdraws from a class
after the census date of that class. The census date for a class is the 10%
point of the class.
The student fees, accident insurance premium, and some program
specific fees (i.e., mal-practice insurance fees, processing fees, etc.) are
not refundable unless the student officially withdraws prior to the start of
his/her classes, a student’s class is cancelled, or the College determines
an institutional error has occurred.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES. This policy includes
occupational extension classes. A full refund will be given if the
student officially withdraws from class prior to the first class
meeting. Allow a minimum of two (2) weeks for processing of
refund requests. Refunds for less than $5.00 will not be made.
After the class begins, a 75% refund of registration only will be made
if the student officially withdraws from the class prior to or on the 10%
point of scheduled hours.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 15
FINANCIAL AID
Students who enroll are encouraged to submit the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available at www.fafsa.gov. Students are
encouraged to apply by the deadline dates located on the CVCC website.
The student’s financial need is determined through an analysis of FAFSA
application and is granted on an annual basis. Financial assistance for
educational expenses may be available in the form of grants, scholar-ships,
loans, or work programs.
Student financial aid programs require that the student: (a) demon-strate
financial need, except for some loan programs, (b) provide an of-ficial
high school transcript or High School Equivalency diploma (such
as GED, (c) be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree,
diploma, or certificate in an eligible program, (d) be a U.S. Citizen or
eligible noncitizen, (e) have a valid Social Security Number, (f) make sat-isfactory
academic progress, and (g) register with the Selective Service,
if required.
I. FEDERAL AID PROGRAMS
FEDERAL PELL GRANT. This grant is a source of federal student
financial aid which provides eligible students with a “floor” of financial
aid to help defray the cost of postsecondary education. Student eligibility
is primarily based on financial need.
FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
GRANT. This is a federal grant which is a “supplement” to the Pell Grant
for students demonstrating the greatest financial need.
FEDERAL WORK STUDY. This federal program provides jobs at
the College for students who have financial need. The number of hours
worked is based on financial need and on how the combination of work
and study hours will affect the student’s academic progress.
VA EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS. Special needs and information
about policies and procedures for veteran students and dependents using
VA benefits are provided by the Veteran Certifying Official in Student
Services, and the local county VA offices. Students desiring to use VA
Educational benefits should contact Student Services for CVCC program
information and admissions requirements. Students must be accepted in a
VA approved program of study and meet all institutional and VA require-ments
before certification can be made to the Veterans Administration.
The specific application for benefits can be made on line at www.gibill.
va.gov or with a VA Certifying Official in Student Services. Additional
information regarding benefits, eligibility, policies, and procedures may
be obtained from these offices. (See Veterans Affairs page 19.)
DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM
A. SUBSIDIZED LOAN. This type of loan is awarded on the basis
of financial need. The federal government pays the interest on the loan
(“subsidizes” the loan) until repayment begins and during authorized
periods of deferment.
B. UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN. This type of loan is not awarded on the
basis of need. Interest will be charged from the time the loan is disbursed
until it is paid in full. A student must be an independent undergraduate or a
dependent student whose parents are unable to get a PLUS loan.
C. PLUS LOAN. This type of loan is for the parent of a student who
qualifies as a dependent student. The parent does not have to demonstrate
“need” but must not have an adverse credit history.
II. STATE SUPPORTED AID PROGRAMS
NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRANT. This
is a need based grant established by the NC Legislature to provide funds
to help meet the educational costs of NC residents attending community
colleges. To apply, the student must complete the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is based on the student being
a NC resident, enrolled at least half time in an eligible curriculum pro-gram,
maintaining satisfactory progress, meeting the Pell Grant eligibility
requirements, and demonstrating financial need. Possible recipients are
selected by the College Foundation of North Carolina, with each commu-nity
college certifying that the student meets all eligibility requirements.
NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP.
The Education Lottery Scholarship was created by the 2005 General
Assembly to provide financial assistance to needy North Carolina residents.
To apply, the student must complete the FAFSA. Eligibility is based on
the student being a NC resident, enrolled at least half time in an eligible
curriculum program, maintaining satisfactory progress, meeting the Fed-eral
Pell Grant requirements, and demonstrating financial need. Possible
recipients are selected by College Foundation of North Carolina, with
each community college certifying that the student meets all eligibility
requirements.
STATE EMPLOYEE CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION
SCHOLARSHIP. The SECU Foundation established this two year
scholarship program to assist North Carolina Community College students
achieve academic success. Preference will be given to students whose
parents or guardians and family members are public sector employees who
live and work in North Carolina. To apply, students must have completed
the FAFSA. In addition, the student must be full time, a U.S. citizen, have
demonstrated leadership and excellence of character, and maintain a 2.5
or higher GPA. Scholarship amounts are $2,500 per year. Recipients are
selected by the Financial Aid Office. Information for the scholarship is
available through the CVCC Financial Aid Office.
VETERANS’ CHILDREN SCHOLARSHIP. Children of certain
veterans who were either killed in action, disabled while in the armed
forces, a prisoner of war or missing in action for a certain period of time
may be entitled to financial aid from the North Carolina Division of Vet-erans
Affairs to attend CVCC. Students may apply through the local N.C.
Division of Veterans Affairs Office.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AID. By action of the United
States Congress, any physically, mentally, or emotionally disabled
student may be eligible for financial aid and for scholarship assis-tance.
If a prospective student has any of these limitations, the nearest
office of the North Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
should be contacted. If the student prefers, the CVCC Financial Aid Of-fice
may be contacted.
WELLS FARGO TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP. Through a grant
to the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges by Wells Fargo
Bank, one scholarship is available annually to students in the second year of
a two-year technical program. Selection is based upon need and scholastic
performance during the first year of studies.
OTHER AID. In addition to the above programs, various companies
and civic organizations provide scholarships to deserving students.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 16
III. Satisfactory Ac ade mic Pr ogres s
Standards for Financial Aid
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a set of standards for financial
aid progress to insure that all students receiving federal (Title IV) or
state aid are making progress toward completion of a degree. The policy
requires the measurement of satisfactory academic progress to include all
periods of enrollment at the institution, including those periods for which
the student did not receive any financial aid.
New federal regulations effective July 1, 2011, affect Satisfactory
Academic Progress policies and procedures. The rules limit the length of
time that students not making progress can continue to receive Title IV aid
and require a more structured, comprehensive, and consistent approach
to the development and implementation of institutional financial aid
satisfactory academic progress policies.
Purpose , Procedures , Monitoring ,
Warning & Suspension , Apeals
Purpose
Institutions of higher education are required by federal regulations to
establish minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress for
students receiving financial aid. It is the expectation that students are to
achieve minimum levels of progress toward completion of a degree. The
progress is measured both qualitatively and quantitatively. The maximum
time frame for an academic program is divided into increments to ensure
that the student is making sufficient progress toward completion of
the degree. The institution will determine at the end of each increment
(semester) if the student has completed a minimum of percentage of work
toward completion of the degree. All semesters attempted at the institution
will calculate in this determination, regardless of whether or not the
student has received financial aid in the past. The Standards will apply to
all students applying for or receiving federal or state aid.
The student is responsible for understanding the policy regarding
Satisfactory Academic Progress and for being in compliance. The student
is also responsible for understanding the consequences for noncompliance.
Procedures
To be eligible for financial aid, students must meet the following
minimum guidelines:
Qualitative Standard - The student must maintain a minimum
cumulative GPA of 2.00. Grades for developmental courses are not
included in the semester GPA or cumulative GPA.
Q uanti tative Standard – The student must complete 67%
(two-thirds) of all credit hours attempted from the beginning date of
enrollment at the college. Developmental course hours are included in this
measurement. Cumulative credit hours attempted will include all hours
for which the student was enrolled as of the census date of the class (10%
point of the class). Credit hours otherwise marked as forgiven under the
previous Academic Forgiveness policy are included in hours attempted
and hours completed if appropriate based on the grades received. Transfer
credit hours that are accepted toward the student’s educational program
will count as both attempted and completed hours
Maximum Time Frame – The student must successfully complete the
program of study within the maximum time frame. Federal regulations
specify that the time frame may not exceed 150% of the published length
of the program as measured in credit hours. Credit hours for developmental
courses required by placement testing will be excluded (up to 30 credit
hours) from the 150% calculation of hours. Transfer credits accepted
from other schools that apply toward the student’s program of study are
included in the maximum time frame.
Monitoring
The Financial Aid Office will monitor satisfactory academic progress
for all students receiving or applying for federal or state aid to ensure
that they are making progress toward program completion. The progress
for all students receiving federal or state aid will be reviewed at the end
of each semester. Students will be notified by e-mail regarding the
status. Failure to receive notification will not change the student’s status.
Not enrolling for one or more terms does not change the student’s status.
Cumulative Credit Hours Atempted – Cumulative credit hours
attempted are defined as all credit hours attempted at CVCC, and all credit
hours transferred from other institutions. Attempted credits include courses
with grades of A, B, C, D, F, or P (pass). Credit hours for which a grade
of WP (withdraw passing), WF (withdraw failing), CS (continued study),
or I (incomplete) or R (repeat) count as attempted hours.
Re pea ted Courses – will be counted as hours attempted, hours
completed, and also toward maximum credits allowable for each type
of program for financial aid. Only one repetition of a previously passed
course may be counted in the enrollment status. A course that has not
been passed may count in the enrollment status until the course has been
successfully completed.
Cumulative Credit Hours Completed – Credit hours successfully
completed are defined as grades of A, B, C, D or P (pass). Credit hours with
a grade of F, WP, WF, CS, I, or R do not count as successfully completed
credit hours.
Audited Courses – Credit hours taken for a grade of “audit” do not
apply toward a degree program. The grade of “audit” is not included in
determining status for financial aid and does not count in the calculation
of satisfactory academic progress.
Incomplete Grades – Courses with grades of I (Incomplete) will be
considered as credit hours attempted and not completed. Students who have
made arrangements with the instructor to complete required course work are
not required to re-register for the same class during a subsequent semester
to complete the work. If the “incomplete” grade resulted in a student being
placed on financial aid probation or suspension, once completed, the student
must notify the Financial Aid Office to have progress reevaluated.
Cumulative Grade Point Average – The minimum cumulative
GPA for graduation at CVCC is 2.00. The student receiving financial aid
must meet the minimum standard of the school.
Course Withdrawals – Any student who withdraws from a class,
either officially or unofficially should know how the withdrawal could
affect the eligibility for financial aid as determined by the Satisfactory
Academic Progress Standards. A withdrawal will count as attempted, but
not completed credit hours. A grade of WP will affect the quantitative
measure, but not the qualitative measure, as it will not count in the GPA
calculation. A grade of WF will affect both the quantitative and qualitative
measure, as it will count in the GPA. Financial Aid recipients should
discuss the consequences of withdrawing from a class with the Financial
Aid Office before doing so.
De ve lopmental Courses – Federal regulations allow financial
aid recipients to take a maximum of 30 credit hours of developmental
coursework. Developmental courses are included in the calculation of
satisfactory progress in the quantitative measure (hours attempted versus
completed). The grade received for the developmental class, however, is
not included in the GPA. To remain in good standing, students enrolled in
developmental courses must receive grades of P.
Transfer Students – All transfer credit hours granted to the student
will be included in the measurement of maximum time frame. Transfer
credit hours that are accepted toward the student’s educational program
will count as both attempted and completed hours.
Change of Majors – Students who change majors without graduating
from a program will assume the time frame of the new major and all hours
previously attempted will count toward the maximum time frame of the
new major. Frequent changing of programs without graduating could
result in the loss of federal or state eligibility. If a student graduates from
a program of study and desires to pursue another program, the student will
assume the maximum time frame of the new program less any attempted
hours related to courses not required in the program previously completed.
A student is allowed to receive financial aid for the completion of only
two academic programs.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 17
Double Majors – Students who choose to double major (pursue
multiple programs at the same time) will assume the maximum time frame
of only one academic program.
Sumer Sesion – Credit hours attempted and earned during the
summer session are included in the calculation of Satisfactory Academic
Progress. Full-time status is the same for summer session as it is for the
fall and spring semesters (12 credit hours).
Enrolment Status – Full time (12 credit hours or more), 3/4 time
(9-11 credit hours), 1/2 time (6-8 credit hours), less than 1/2 time (less
than 6 credit hours)
Warning and Suspension
Warning – The minimum credit hour completion requirement
(quantitative measure) and the minimum GPA academic standards
(qualitative measure) are assessed at the end of each term. If a student
does not have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) AND pass
at least 67% of the credit hours on a cumulative basis, the student is
placed on WARNING for the next term attended. This calculation is
done on all classes attempted from the beginning date of enrollment at
CVCC. The student will be notified by email at the end of the semester if
he/she is in the WARNING status. Financial aid may be received during
this WARNING term.
For students in clock hour programs, the review of progress will be
done at the point the scheduled clock hours for that payment period are
successfully completed. In order for the student to be eligible for the next
payment period, the student must have successfully completed both the
clock hours and the weeks of instructional time for the required period.
Suspension - At the end of the WARNING period, students whose term
completion rate and GPA do not meet SAP standards (67% completion of
all hours attempted and a 2.0 cumulative GPA) will be on SUSPENSION.
Students who are suspended will no longer be eligible to receive financial aid.
At this time, the student must pay for college expenses each semester until the
SAP standards are met or submit an Appeal if documentation can be provided
to indicate extenuating circumstances that impacted academic performance.
After Suspension - Other than when an Appeal is granted, a student
can reestablish eligibility of financial aid only by taking action that brings
the student in compliance with the qualitative and quantitative components
of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, including the maximum
time frame. It may be in the best interest of the student to consider taking
fewer credit hours, which will allow the student to focus on achieving a
higher GPA and completion rate. The student may, at any time, request to
have eligibility reevaluated by the Financial Aid Office.
It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the Satisfactory
Academic Progress Standards for financial aid eligibility. When placed
on Warning or Suspension, the student is notified by the CVCC email
account. If the necessary action is taken by the student to bring the student
back in compliance with the qualitative and quantitative components of the
Standards, financial aid (depending on the availability of funds) is reinstated
at the beginning of the next term of attendance, if otherwise eligible.
APPEALS
SAP Apeals - A student may appeal the Suspension of financial aid
by obtaining a Satisfactory Progress Appeal Request form online at
www.cvcc.edu and indicating in writing: a) reasons why he or she did not
achieve minimum standards, b) reasons why his or her eligibility should
not be terminated, but reinstated. Appeals must be submitted in writing
with supporting documentation explaining any unusual circumstances that
caused the student’s academic progress to be less than required. Federal
regulations give some examples where allowances might be made for
mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances are defined as (1)
death of a relative of the student, (2) an injury or illness of the student,
(3) other special circumstances causing undue hardship to the student and
beyond reasonable control of the student. An Appeal cannot be based
on the student’s lack of knowledge regarding the policy or simply the
need for financial aid. An Appeal will be automatically rejected if no
documentation is provided.
A student suspended for exceeding the maximum hours allowed for
degree completion should complete the Financial Aid Satisfactory
Progress Appeal Request form and have an academic advisor submit in
writing the remaining hours required for degree completion if extenuating
circumstances require the student to exceed the maximum hours limit.
The Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Appeal Request form should
be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid no later than the first day of
classes of the next semester of enrollment. Once the Financial Aid Sat-isfactory
Progress Appeal Request is received, the Director will have
14 days to make an eligibility determination.
Students on financial aid Suspension who are seeking to regain eligibility
for financial aid through the Appeal process will remain ineligible for
assistance until the Appeal process is completed and an affirmative
decision has been made. Students on financial aid Suspension should
not depend on financial aid to pay for costs of registration, but should be
prepared to pay from their own resources pending the outcome of their
financial aid Appeal. The student will be reimbursed if the Appeal is
approved.
Probation on Appeal – If an Appeal is approved, the student will be
placed on Probation by Appeal. This status will hold the student to a
higher term-based standard for SAP evaluation. Probation on Appeal
students must earn a minimum term-based GPA of 2.50 (or equivalent
if course is repeated) and complete 100% of hours attempted for the
term. Those meeting the standard will continue in this status until they
regain full satisfactory SAP status (67% completion and 2.0 cumulative
GPA). Failure to meet the Probation on Appeal conditions each
semester will result in Suspension of aid. Students may want to consider
reducing the number of attempted hours per semester in order to maintain
satisfactory progress.
Appealing the 150% Time frame Rule - Students who wish to appeal
the 150% time frame rule are required to complete the Financial Aid
Satisfactory Progress Appeal Request form and have an academic advisor
complete the Academic Plan form to determine how many courses
remain toward graduation. The advisor must provide the student with
an educational plan that will allow the student to complete the degree.
The student must successfully complete 100% of everything attempted
from that point forward to complete the degree (no withdrawals, no
incompletes, and no grades lower than a C). If the student fails in these
requirements, the aid will be permanently suspended.
It is the student’s responsibility to understand this policy. If, at any
time, there are questions regarding the policy, please see the Financial
Aid Office.
IV. LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS AND
FINANCIAL AID
A. CVCC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
The Catawba Valley Community College Foundation, Inc., is a nonprofit
organization that provides the community a vehicle through which invest-ments
may be made in the education of CVCC students through scholarship
funds. These scholarship funds provide an opportunity for each student to
compete for funds to pay for his/her education. Scholarships are provided
through tax-deductible gifts from individuals, businesses, community or-ganizations,
and CVCC alumni. All CVCC students are invited to submit a
scholarship application. One scholarship application initiates the application/
eligibility process for all Foundation scholarships. When the CVCC student
enrollment form is activated, an invitation to apply for a CVCC Foundation
Scholarship is sent via the email address or home address found on the en-rollment
form. The CVCC Foundation Scholarship selection is a continuous
process. Each student is encouraged to return the scholarship application as
soon as possible for access to the scholarship process.
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 18
STUDENT LIFE
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
Student Services provides entry, support, and transition services to curric-ulum
students. A definitive program of services is offered to assist a student in
satisfactorily selecting, entering, progressing within, and completing
a program of study. In addition, a student is provided with numerous
opportunities for personal development and social growth through a variety
of planned activities.
ACADEMIC ADVISING. Each curriculum student enrolled in a
degree, diploma or certificate program will have access to academic
advising through an assigned advisor or through the Advising Center.
This determination is made during the Admissions interview and will
be communicated to the student as appropriate for the program of study.
The purpose of academic advising is to assist the student with planning a
course schedule, registration, program sequence and completion, academic
probation, graduation review, and general academic advising.
ADVISING CENTER. The Center is currently located in the lower
level of the Student Services Building. Hours are posted at the Center.
The phone number is 828-327-7000, ext. 4687.
CAREER CENTER. 828-327-7000, ext. 4690.
Carer Counseling . Individual career counseling is available
to all students who are interested in discussing their career interests, choice
of program, and career goals. Career assessments and career reference
information are used to assist students in examining their interests, values,
and skills to explore career options. Assessments available include: Self
Directed Search, Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator, Focus 2, and
CFNC Planning Tools.
Job Placement . Students have access to jobs listed by employ-ers
who call the Career Center for assistance. The office has listings for
full-time, part-time and temporary jobs. Current students, former students,
and graduates of curriculum programs are eligible for placement services.
Services include job preparation (job search, resume writing, applications,
interviewing, etc.) job fairs, workshops, and on-campus interviews.
Wor k Based Learning (WBL). WBL is a curriculum (credit)
course that can provide on-the-job work experience for students enrolled
in eligible programs. Students work in jobs related to their program of
study and receive course credit for the learning that takes place on the job.
Not all programs have WBL as an option and there are requirements that
students must meet prior to enrolling in a WBL course. WBL options for
eligible programs are listed in each program of study. Interested students
may contact the Career Center at 828-327-7000, ext. 4812, or their advisor.
COUNSELING. CVCC does not offer mental health/personal coun-seling
services. Admission staff members are available to assist students
with academic or vocational issues. Also, the CVCC Career Center may
offer career/vocational assistance to students. If at any point an admissions
representative determines a student’s ability to benefit from campus services
is limited, the staff member will recommend appropriate resources and
suggest alternatives to the student.
E-MAIL ACCOUNTS. CVCC creates a college e-mail address for
students within five business days of the application processing visit in the
Student Development office. Students are expected to read the CVCC
email daily. The College shares critical information regarding financial
aid, New Student Orientation, academic issues, grades, registration,
campus safety alerts, and general news through e-mail. It is the preferred
method of communication with students to ensure timeliness of informa-tion,
safety, and security. It is the student’s responsibility to learn how to
login and read CVCC e-mail and follow specialized requests from various
campus departments.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES. Consistent with the open
door admissions policy, it is the intent of the college administration
that no person be denied the opportunity to pursue financial assistance.
Therefore, scholarship and financial assistance information is available
during the admissions counseling process. The Director of Scholarships
and Financial Aid is available to assist students and potential students in
planning for the financial support of their education.
HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY TESTING. The Adult Secondary
Credentials (ASC) tests, (such as GED) are administered on a regularly scheduled
basis. Contact the Testing Center at 828-327-7000 ext. 4260 for the GED test-ing
schedule.
HEALTH SERVICES/INFORMATION. There is no formal health
care program/clinic available for students. The Student Government As-sociation
shall include various health related activities/information in its
general college programming. These may include presentations by col-lege
personnel or outside health care agencies on substance abuse, HIV,
wellness, nutrition, and/or other vital health care topics. Any student,
faculty or staff health related emergencies are referred to area health care
providers/agencies. CVCC has a policy designed to protect all employees
and students in the workplace from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. A
copy of the policy is on file in the office of the Dean, School of Access,
Development, & Success, located in Student Services.
HOUSING. Catawba Valley Community College primarily serves
students within commuting distance of the campus. CVCC has no dormi-tory
or housing facilities.
ORIENTATION. New Student Orientation is required of all new stu-dents.
Upon completion, individuals will be allowed to register for courses.
New Student Orientation is offered in an online format. This orientation
introduces individuals to information about how to navigate on campus,
explore career options, and register for upcoming courses. Participants will
also be instructed on how to access online classes, student accounts, grade
information, and payment options through CVCC’s student software.
PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. A pro-gram
of services is provided for students with disabilities. Individuals
with disabilities (as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) of 1990, and the ADA Amended Act 2008) wishing to make a
request for reasonable accommodation or wishing to file a complaint of
alleged discrimination on the basis of disability should contact the Coun-selor
for the Program for Students with Disabilities by phone at 828-
327-7000, extension 4222 or by mail at 2550 Highway 70 SE, Hickory,
NC 28602. It is the student’s responsibility to request these services.
Current documentation of the disability by an appropriate professional
may be required. All information is kept confidential. Students will be
required to sign a release of information form before any special contact is
made to arrange accommodations. Requests for reasonable accommoda-tion
should be made several weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for
accommodations to be arranged.
Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
for Homeles and Unaccompanied Youth .
In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, ser-vices
are provided to help smooth the transition to college for unaccom-panied
students who are experiencing homelessness. The Single Point
of Contact (SPOC) helps to create an awareness on campus of homeless
students, expedite the process of determining eligibility for independent
student status for the FAFSA, and supports school access and success by
facilitating campus discussions to develop a system of support for home-less
and unaccompanied youth, and linking youth with campus resources
and community assistance. The CVCC SPOC can be reached at 828-
327-7000 ext. 4408 or by mail at 2550 Hwy. 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602.
Student Resource Guide 2015/2016.
College policies and procedures are applicable to all students enrolled at
CVCC, whether full-time, part-time, auditing, special credit, non-credit,
or Career & College Promise. Information contained in this document is
subject to change without notice. CVCC is an equal opportunity/affirma-tive
action institution. These policies and procedures are outlined on our
web site at http://www.cvcc.edu/About_Us/Policies/ and http://www.cvcc.
edu/About_Us/Procedures/.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS. Students needing assistance with childcare
funding or other supportive services such as temporary funding of tuition,
books, supplies or transportation should contact the Director for Special
Programs in the Learning Assistance Center (LAC). Each year special grant
applications are made, and there may be funds for financial assistance.
Applications are available in the Learning Assistance Center (LAC) and
Student Services and are distributed to the “most in need” as long as funds
last. “Most in need” is determined by information submitted on the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
CVCC 2015-2016 College Catalog 19
TESTING SERVICES. Students applying for degree, diploma, and
certificate programs may be required to complete certain placement tests.
CVCC utilizes the NCDAP to assess reading, writing, and numerical/
algebra skills. The OPAC software program is utilized to assess com-puter
literacy skills. Test results are used by academic advisors to place
students in appropriate courses and thereby maximize their opportunities
for success. Placement test scores are not used for determining admission
to the College, but may be required to satisfy certain program of study require-ments.
Students are provided appropriate information on placement testing
during the admissions process. NCDAP test scores are valid for five years. If
the test scores expire before required courses are taken, the student must retest.
Re-testing Procedure . CVCC uses the NCDAP placement
test battery and every student is provided the opportunity to complete
placement testing as one of the requirements to be admitted to CVCC.
There is no fee for this first-time placement testing. Placement test scores
using NCDAP are valid for 5 years. Generally, re-testing on NCDAP is
not considered to be productive. However, re-testing may occur if one of
the following conditions is met:
1. NCDAP scores are older than 5 years and have expired. There is no
fee to re-test if test scores have expired.
2. The original test score is believed to be invalid due to illness, inter-ruption,
or other problems during test administration as determined
by the Testing Center staff. Should any of these issues occur, the
student must alert the Testing Center staff about the issue upon
completion of the placement test and before exiting from the Testing
Center. Testing Center staff will discuss the issue with the student and
assist the student to schedule a re-test if appropriate. Testing Center
staff will determine whether the student must pay a re-testing fee.
3. The student completes an intervention/remediation to provide ap-propriate
skill development for the student. The student must discuss
this option with the appropriate Department Head (Mathematics or
English/Developmental Studies) and re-testing will be approved by
the Department Head if appropriate. The student will be charged a
$10.00 fee to re-test in Mathematics and a $10.00 fee to re-test in
Reading/English.
4. The Department Head for Mathematics or English/Developmental
Studies determines that the student may benefit from a re-test. The
Department Head will discuss options with the student to determine
the best course of action. The student will be charged a $10.00 fee to
re-test in Mathematics and a $10.00 fee to re-test in Reading/English.
5. Testing Center staff are not authorized to grant re-testing except in
the case of #2 listed above.
Students who are approved to re-test will receive a form from the ap-propriate
Department Head that indicates the specific NCDAP re-test. The
student will take this form to the Business Office and pay the required
fee(s). The Business Office will give the student a receipt. The student
will take both the Re-test Form and the receipt to the Testing Center to
schedule a re-test appointment.
VETERANS AFFAIRS. Special needs and information about policies
and procedures for veteran students and dependents using VA benefits are
provided by the Veteran Certifying Official in Student Services, and the
local county VA offices. Students desiring to use VA Educational benefits
should come to Student Services for CVCC program information and
admissions requirements. Students must be accepted in a VA approved
program of study and meet all institutional and VA requirements before
certification can be made to the Veterans Administration. The specific ap-plication
for benefits can be made on line at www.gibill.va.gov. Additional
information regarding benefits, eligibility, policies, and procedures may
be obtained from these offices.
VA students are responsible for the payment of all tuition, fees, and
books at registration. VA payments are made directly to the student after
classes have begun, and may take sixty days or more for initial enrollment.
V.A. benefits will reimburse only for courses required in one specific
program of study.
The Veteran Certifying Officials in Student Services are responsible
for (1) maintaining the appropriate records regarding veteran enrollment
and progress within an educational program, and (2) notifying the Vet-erans
Administration of any change affecting the recipients enrollment
status. Students receiving VA benefits must immediately notify the VA
representative in Student Services of any change in their status to include
dropping or adding classes, program changes, or new names and addresses.
CVCC Student Services representatives are not employees of the Veterans
Administration and are not responsible for VA policies, rules, or public
laws which determine eligibility or payments. This includes, but is not
limited to, the requirement that only required classes which specifically
meet a graduation requirement for the approved program can be certified
to the VA for the payment of benefits. Failure to comply with requests for
documentation from the VA Certifying official(s) at CVCC may result in
processing delays for benefits. Students using VA benefits must comply
with all college satisfactory academic process guidelines and remain in
good academic standing to continue receiving benefits. For additional
information see the VA web